The Kansas City Chiefs' final 53-man roster is in place as the franchise gets ready to go on the road and take on the Los Angeles Chargers next Friday.
It's a matchup that just got a little more difficult with the news that Najee Harris appears poised to return to the active roster, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Harris had been on the non-football injury list due to a fireworks accident. While Kansas City fans wish the back a speedy recovery, it wouldn't have hurt anyone's feelings if Harris wanted to take an extra week of recovery.
The #Chargers are moving RB Najee Harris to the active roster from the non-football injury list, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025
Harris is recovering from injuries, facial and otherwise, sustained in a fireworks accident but has been working and getting ready. A good sign. pic.twitter.com/E1NEQENJFw
Chiefs' Season Opener Just Grew a Bit Tougher after Najee Harris Injury News
Adding the punishing back to the Chargers' roster is the exact recipe that head coach Jim Harbaugh needs to further unlock the offense. While the Chiefs remain the obvious threats of the division, there is a healthy respect for the Chargers. Twice last season, the division rival played KC close and had every chance to take control of either game.
It was a testament to how quickly Harbaugh's coaching turned around what was a struggling franchise. It demands healthy respect from the Chiefs, even with the understanding that the dynastic division dominance should continue this season. Still, you can never afford to overlook a divisional matchup, especially one that just got a bit tougher.
It is an undeniable advantage for a Chargers team that is going to need every piece of its arsenal to have a prayer of taking down the Chiefs. The AFC West rival deserves respect, but this is Kansas City's game to lose. The talent and even coaching favor the Chiefs heading into Week 1.
However, fans and the roster itself must continue to understand that each week the Chiefs are someone's Super Bowl. The most popular and hated team in the league has earned this crown after years of AFC domination. There is a level of pressure each and every week as you are promised a team's absolute best shot.
This is twofold for Harbaugh's Chargers, who have the standalone stage to attempt to make a statement after the NFL opener the night prior. Now, Harris has been added to this effort, requiring even further focus from a franchise that appears poised for another Super Bowl run.