Operating again Najee Harris addressed reporters for the primary time since being concerned in a Fourth of July fireworks accident — his eyes hidden by Chargers-colored sun shades.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Harris mentioned in regards to the accident that left him with a watch harm. “It still hasn’t really shaken. I’m still going through it in a way. Just the whole situation [can] show you how things could change at just a snap of a finger.”
Harris declined to explain the accident intimately, however mentioned he feels blessed the incident wasn’t worse. He mentioned his imaginative and prescient wasn’t affected, reiterating that the harm was superficial.
“I’m just happy that everybody’s safe and we’re alive,” Harris mentioned.
Cleared for contact Monday after carrying a non-contact jersey final week, Harris took one other step towards suiting up for the season opener in São Paulo, Brazil, in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Friday.
Harris has been carrying a tinted visor — a brand new look in contrast together with his days with the Steelers — and holding sun shades on off the sphere for the reason that accident, which has fueled on-line hypothesis in regards to the severity of his harm. Nonetheless, he dismissed the chatter.
“It’s not my job to care what other people think,” Harris mentioned. “It’s my job to do what I got to do, so they can write what they want to, say what they want to.”
Harris has by no means missed an NFL sport, beginning in 68 straight contests over 4 seasons in Pittsburgh, however that streak might be in jeopardy. He mentioned he expects to play as his workload ramps up.
“We’ll see where it takes us. … I’m just recovering, getting in shape,” Harris mentioned. “Just trying to stay on top of the playbook. I was on [the non-football injury list], so [that] makes things a little more difficult.”
Coach Jim Harbaugh, sometimes tight-lipped on accidents, mentioned there may be “a possibility” Harris will play in opposition to the Chiefs. Since being cleared to apply, Harris has seemed “really, really good,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Whether or not Harris is prepared earlier than the crew boards its 12-hour flight or turns into a game-time choice stays unsure.
In Harris’ absence, rookie Omarion Hampton has dealt with a lot of the carries in camp however welcomed his teammate’s return. The pair is anticipated to share duties in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s system.
“It’s been amazing, he’s my guy,” Hampton mentioned. “We talk all the time. He helps me out on reads. I help him out seeing what we see, how we see it.”
