It seemed the football gods had once again cursed the Bolts. The first half was a slog, their typically explosive offense frustrated by the Broncos‘ aggressive, stingy defense. But after Harris was carted off (suffered a non-contact injury), a new reality set in. Justin Herbert, the field general of the Chargers, had to move on.

After the 23-20 win over their AFC West rival, the focus was, of course, on the shiny new 3-0 record, their first since 2002. And the Chargers achieved it, too. But the major concern was something else. Herbert was asked about his fallen brother, and the QB didn’t dance around it. He was candid. “It’s always tough to lose a brother like that,” Herbert said, the words feeling heavy on the back of a victory. “We’re wishing him the best.”

Najee Harris’s tenure as a Charger had been an exercise in patience and odd misfortune from the start. This was a guy who came to the Bolts after racking up over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons with the Steelers. That’s a durability track record you bet on. But then came the eye injury from a fireworks accident, a bizarre off-season mishap that kept him out of training camp. He was cleared in time for Week 1, but his usage was light.

Entering Sunday, Harris had just 33 rushing yards on 9 attempts this season. He was finally getting into a groove against the Broncos, with 6 carries for 28 yards before the snap that changed everything. In this case, the very next play saw Herbert hit Quentin Johnston for a gain, and just a few plays later, rookie Omarion Hampton punched in a 3-yard TD run that put the Chargers up 10-0.

Harbaugh on Harris’ Injury

HC Jim Harbaugh, a man who prides himself on toughness, didn’t offer any false hope. When asked if the injury was season-ending, Harbaugh said that was the “preliminary” thought before Harris underwent imaging. As reported by Fredo Cervantes, “Najee Harris suffer an Achilles injury, per Jim Harbaugh.”

The Chargers’ sideline first calling it an “ankle injury” and deeming him “questionable to return” before half, then officially ruling him out after the break. The injury is a devastating blow for a guy who, having never missed a single game in his 4 years with the Steelers (his final words to steelers were grim), was just starting to form a formidable one-two punch with rookie Omarion Hampton.

Now, the team will have to lean more on Hampton, with Hassan Haskins (know more about his family) and practice squad players Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson also in the mix.

In the end, though, the Bolts showed their mettle. Herbert found his rhythm in the second half, connecting with Keenan Allen for a brilliant 20-yard TD to tie the game at 20-20. The defense then forced a crucial three-and-out, giving Herbert the ball back with less than 2 minutes to go.

He methodically led the offense down the field, and as the clock expired, Cameron Dicker stepped up to the plate. The snap was clean. The kick soared. And a 43-YD FG split the uprights, giving the Chargers the win. Afterward, Harbaugh was full of praise for his kicker. “He’s cold blooded,” he said. Even as they travel to New York to face the Giants next Sunday, the team’s locker room is a mix of celebration and concern.