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5 Takeaways: Updates on Najee Harris, Junior Colson & New Chargers Long Snapper

NajeeHarris

Count Jim Harbaugh as a fan of the Chargers initial 53-man roster.

The Chargers Head Coach took to the podium Wednesday morning to give his thoughts about various parts

Here are five takeaways from Harbaugh's press conference.

1. Najee Harris could play in Week 1

There's a chance Najee Harris plays in Week 1.

The Chargers on Tuesday did not place the running back on the Reserve/ Non-Football Injury (NFI) List, meaning Harris will possibly be able to play against the Chiefs for the Chargers 2025 season opener in Brazil.

Harbaugh echoed the same sentiment Wednesday.

"It's a possibility," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh also noted that Harris will return to practice Wednesday, something he hasn't done since minicamp in June.

Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap on July 4 and was put on the (NFI) List ahead of training camp.

"He's going to start back today and work into practice today, this week," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh added Harris will be "limited" in his return to practice.

Harris, who signed with the Chargers this offseason as a free agent, has rushed for 1,000-plus yards in each of his first four NFL seasons.

View photos of the Chargers 53-man roster as of Aug. 27, 2025.

2. A long snapper update

The Chargers have a new long snapper.

The Bolts on Wednesday added Rick Lovato to the Chargers practice squad, a move that brings a nine-year veteran to the locker room.

Josh Harris, the Chargers usual long snapper, was injured in the preseason finale and was placed on Injured Reserve (Designated to Return) on Tuesday. Harris must miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season.

Harbaugh said he hopes Lovato can mesh well with Cameron Dicker and JK Scott the same way Harris has in recent years.

"The rapport is tremendous with those three. I expect the person we sign is going to come in and have a great rapport as well," Harbaugh said.

3. Colson needs shoulder surgery

The Chargers on Tuesday placed Junior Colson on Injured Reserve, meaning the linebacker will miss the entire 2025 season.

Colson, a 2024 third-round pick by the Bolts, will now miss his second season in the NFL. The linebacker played in 11 games his rookie season (one start) and notched 29 tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defensed.

Harbaugh provided an update on Colson on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, he has to get surgery on his shoulder. He's not going to be able to play this season," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh later added: "Disappointed, he is, as you would expect. It's a setback, but you can't really play linebacker on one shoulder. We'll get it fixed, he'll attack the rehab and be back."

Harbaugh said he was unsure when Colson's injury occurred this summer.

4. Lance wins backup QB job

The Bolts kept two quarterbacks on Tuesday as Justin Herbert and Trey Lance remain on the roster.

Herbert is obviously the starter, but that also means Lance won the backup quarterback battle against Taylor Heinicke.

Lance excelled in training camp and preseason play and impressed teammates and coaches alike.

"Poise, ability, being able to lead the team," Harbaugh said when asked about Lance's summer. "Points per drive, did not turn the ball over one time, ability to get first downs, get our teams scores. Points per drive is probably the of the list."

5. Harbaugh excited to add Deculus

The Chargers kept seven offensive lineman on the 53-man roster but then made a trade to add tackle Austin Deculus to the squad.

"I think making that trade was really good. I feel like he really fits our scheme," Harbaugh said. "Big, tough, physical, tough guy. Practice squad, opportunity squad, we got a few offensive linemen there that we really like and trust."

The Chargers sent a 2027 conditional seventh-round pick to Houston in exchange for Deculus, who was a 2022 sixth-round pick by the Texans.

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