Latest news with #Hortiz
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Joe Hortiz: Najee Harris doing better, no reason to rush anyone out there
Chargers running back Najee Harris remains on the non-football injury list with the eye injury he suffered in a pre-training camp fireworks accident and it remains unknown when he might be back in action. At the time Harris went on the list, word was that it would be a short stay but General Manager Joe Hortiz didn't offer any timetable in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. Hortiz noted that the Chargers got to camp before other teams because of this week's Hall of Fame Game and that they'll give Harris the time he needs to get fully cleared to return. 'He's doing better every day,' Hortiz said. 'He's dealing with it, he's getting better. We're going to be cautious and precautious with it and let him get healthy. There's no rush, it's early. We came into camp early, we got a long preseason to go so there's no sense in rushing anyone out there.' First-round pick Omarion Hampton is alone at the top of the running back depth chart with Harris off the field and a strong first impression for the rookie could change the outlook for Harris's role by the time the veteran is able to get back in action.
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chargers place RB Najee Harris on the NFI list following fireworks incident
Najee Harris is beginning his time in Los Angeles on the sidelines. The Los Angeles Chargers officially placed the running back on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list on July 17 after a fireworks incident left Harris with a superficial eye injury during the early morning hours on July 5. It's not expected that Harris will be on the list for long, according to Chargers general manager, Joe Hortiz. "Nothing is set in stone," Hortiz told reporters Wednesday. Hortiz added that Harris remains in good spirits and noted that the information relayed to the team has been positive. "We haven't seen him yet, our doctors haven't seen him yet," Hortiz said Wednesday. "He's finishing up his doctors appointments, he'll report today. We'll get our eyes on him. "Surface-level injury, obviously around the eye, so I'm sure there's bruising and all that. But we haven't seen him," Hortiz continued. "We'll get more clarity when he gets here and our doctors see him, but we're in communication with the doctors there." Harris was continuing to see doctors at Stanford Hospital – where he received treatment following the incident. Hortiz said that the Chargers director of player health and performance, Marco Zucconi, has been in contract with the running back and his doctors. Doug Hendrickson, Harris' agent, revealed the injury on July 10 in a statement, putting internet rumors to rest. "Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees," Hendrickson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. "Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season." Once cleared by the team, Harris can come off the NFI list and begin practice. Veterans were schedule to report to Chargers training camp on July 16. The team received an earlier start date thanks to their participation in the preseason's annual Hall of Fame game, which is slated for July 31. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back signed with the Chargers in free agency inking a one-year, $5.25 million deal. There is also $4 million in incentive bonuses tied to the contract, bringing the total value to $9.25 million. What is the non-football injury (NFI) list? The list is designed for players that have suffered injuries outside of football, or are dealing with a long-term illness. If Harris remains on the list at the end of training camp, he would have to miss the first four games of the regular season.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chargers RB Najee Harris likely to begin training camp on the non-football injury list
Chargers running back Najee Harris will likely begin training camp on the active/non-football injury list, general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters on Wednesday. Harris is expected to report to The Bolt later today, per Hortiz. He has been receiving treatment from doctors at Stanford. Hortiz added that the Chargers haven't seen the extent of his injury yet. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury due to a fireworks mishap during a Fourth of July party. The NFI designation means Harris can return at any point during camp.
NBC Sports
16-07-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
Rashawn Slater reports to training camp as contract talks continue
Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater reported to training camp Wednesday despite not having a contract extension. General Manager Joe Hortiz said contract talks continue. 'Having good conversations,' Hortiz said, via Eric Smith of the team website. 'I talked with Pat [Collins] yesterday, his agent, talked with him today. We're working through it. 'Like any high-level negotiation contract — I've seen plenty of them done in Baltimore and been involved in discussions internally — they just take time. Every conversation has been great. Both sides we're making progress and feel good about it. Feel good about the progress we're making.' Slater is entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to make $19.040 million on the fifth-year option. He missed some of the voluntary offseason work but said at the mandatory minicamp last month that he had 'no concern about it at all.' The Chargers begin practice Thursday, prompting a question about whether Slater will participate or hold-in. 'I can't speak for him; I don't want to speak for him,' Hortiz said. 'But, yeah, we're expecting him to practice.' Slater has become one of the best players at his position since the Chargers took him 13th overall in has made the Pro Bowl twice in four seasons, including in 2024.
NBC Sports
08-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Chargers G.M. Joe Hortiz: We'll see what we have at receiver before any potential addition
The Chargers brought Mike Williams back as a free agent this offseason and they drafted Tre Brown in the second round, but General Manager Joe Hortiz may not be done adding receivers to the roster ahead of the 2025 season. Hortiz, who also drafted KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fifth round, was a guest on Up & Adams this week and he was asked if the team was still looking to bolster the wideout group this offseason. He said that the team will go through rookie minicamp and organized team activities before making any decisions. 'I think we're going to see what we have out there this weekend and through OTAs, but I'd never say we're done adding anything,' Hortiz said. 'Any chance we can get — if we need the help, if we can help improve the team and the competitiveness of the team and competition at the position.' Host Kay Adams brought up former Charger Keenan Allen being a free agent later in the appearance, but Hortiz didn't give any signal that there's interest in teaming him up with Williams once again.
