Najee Harris, the running back currently entering free agency, has shown promising signs in his Achilles recovery, raising questions about his readiness for the 2026 NFL season. After suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in September while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris has made significant strides in rehabilitation, offering hope for a strong comeback.
Following four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris signed a one-year contract with the Chargers for the 2025 campaign. However, his season was cut short just months after the move due to the injury sustained against the Denver Broncos.
Agent Shares Encouraging Update on Harris’ Rehabilitation
Doug Hendrickson, Harris’ agent, provided a glimpse of the running back’s recovery by posting a video on social media that showed Harris running on a treadmill at 15 mph just five months after surgery. Hendrickson celebrated the progress, stating,
“Najee Harris looking OUTSTANDING 5 months post op from Achilles. Running with ease at 15 mph. @chargers #freeagency #teamwass #LFG.”
— Doug Hendrickson, Agent
Harris managing to run at this pace less than half a year after his injury is notable given the typical recovery timeline for a torn Achilles, which usually ranges from nine months to a year. This development provides cautious optimism about his ability to return for the next season’s training camp.
Overview of Harris’ NFL Career and Injury Impact
Najee Harris was the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He quickly established himself as a reliable back, earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season with 1,200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Harris maintained consistent performance with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Pittsburgh, showcasing durability and skill. Despite this, the Steelers chose not to pick up his fifth-year option, allowing him to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Before his injury in 2025, Harris carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards without scoring any touchdowns for the Chargers. His streak of 68 starts in 68 regular-season games underscores his reliability when healthy. As he approaches his 28th birthday, anticipation builds around his status for the upcoming season and the kind of opportunities available to him on the free-agent market.
Market Outlook and Potential Role for Harris Post-Recovery
According to Spotrac, Harris ranks as the 10th highest-valued free agent running back by average annual contract value (AAV), estimated at around $2.95 million. While prominent backs such as Breece Hall, Rachaad White, and Kenneth Walker are expected to be signed before Harris, his proven track record grants him a competitive edge over rookies and lesser-known players like Travis Etienne Jr. and Rico Dowdle.
The recovery period would likely allow Harris to return to full strength by training camp, opening the door for teams to consider him as a valuable depth option or a situational back, especially if full confidence in his health is yet to be established. Teams with weaker rushing attacks, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, might look to Harris to bolster their backfield rotation if he proves he can fully recover.
The possibility remains that Harris could serve in a running-back-by-committee role, easing him back into the lineup while reducing injury risk. If he returns at or near his previous level, Harris could become a significant contributor for contenders aiming for deep playoff runs.
Najee Harris looking OUTSTANDING 5 months post op from Achilles. Running with ease at 15 mph. @chargers #freeagency #teamwass #LFG pic.twitter.com/LOiUqzt3qn
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) February 23, 2026
