Chargers' top free-agent targets after Najee Harris injury update

The Los Angeles Chargers need some help at running back in the wake of Najee Harris’ season-ending injury.

Those Chargers will lean more on Hassan Haskins as the backup to first-rounder Omarion Hampton and bring up Kimani Vidal from the practice squad, too.

But if the Chargers want to bring on some help from outside to reinforce the position, a familiar face and a few other names stick out as options in free agency.

Chargers free-agent targets after Najee Harris injury

Gus Edwards

The Chargers rode the Gus Bus last year while J.K. Dobbins enjoyed a career revival. Edwards had problems staying healthy, though, rushing for just 365 yards and four scores on a 3.6 average over 11 games. Still, there’s something to be said for him already knowing the offense and being able to act as a mentor.

Ezekiel Elliott

Remember how fun this idea was for a brief moment last year? Elliott joined the Chargers practice squad last January. Now, one has to wonder if he’s considering retirement. But like Edwards, Elliott at least has a loose knowledge of the team and offense, plus has something to offer somebody like Hampton.

Israel Abanikanda

A fifth-rounder in 2023, Abanikanda keeps getting looks from teams around the NFL. He’s a recent cut by Green Bay who has something to offer as a depth presence. As a rookie, he ran for 70 yards on 22 carries over six games.

Damien Martinez

A seventh-round rookie originally drafted by Seattle, Martinez was cut from the practice squad last week. A 6’0”, 217-pound back who ran for 1,002 yards and nine scores on a 5.7 average with the Miami Hurricanes last year, Martinez is a developmental project, worth investing in, just like Raheim Sanders, the guy the Chargers lost on the waiver wire at final cuts.

running back Ezekiel Elliott — Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Najee Harris injury update confirms Chargers’ worst-case scenario

Chargers put AFC West in chokehold in Week 4 NFL power rankings

Los Angeles Chargers could face rookie quarterback Sunday vs. New York Giants

Jim Harbaugh kick starts campaigns for two Chargers stars to win major awards