The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a crucial stretch of their 2025 season. They hold a record of 7-4, sitting second in the AFC West and holding the fifth seed in the AFC playoff race. A strong finish could lock in their second straight postseason appearance under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but the team’s health will be a key factor in doing so.
The Chargers have battled injuries all year, including one to standout rookie running back Omarion Hampton. Here is the latest on his status and his expected return.
When Will Omarion Hampton Return?
In the Chargers’ Week 5 matchup with the Washington Commanders, Hampton suffered an ankle injury that forced him to exit the game in a walking boot. After the game, Los Angeles announced that the rookie running back would be placed on Injured Reserve (IR), and he has missed the last six games.
Fans have been patiently waiting for Hampton’s return, as the 2025 first-round pick looked like he was turning into a star during his first few games. He hinted at a comeback on TikTok last week, using #soon under one of his posts, which led many to believe he could return after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye.
That timeline matches a report from The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, who noted on November 3 that Harbaugh said Hampton likely would not be activated off of IR until after the team’s bye week.
On Tuesday, the Chargers officially opened the practice window for Hampton. While it hasn’t been officially announced, all signs point to him returning for the Chargers’ Week 13 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 30.
More updates on the rookie running back’s status will come as the week progresses, but his chances of playing against the Raiders look promising.
#Chargers are opening the activation window for Omarion Hampton, per Jim Harbaugh.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 25, 2025
In a limited sample size this season, Hampton played well, recording 314 yards and two scores on 66 carries, while ranking 35th among all NFL running backs this season according to PFSN’s RBi metric.
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The running back situation has been a significant concern for the Chargers throughout the entire year. They lost veteran Najee Harris to a season-ending injury before Hampton went down, and Hassan Haskins also suffered a season-ending injury after Hampton’s setback.
Getting Hampton back should give a significant boost to the Chargers’ offense, which has struggled without a strong rushing attack, ranking 19th in the league this season according to PFSN’s OFFi metric.
Although there’s still a chance Hampton doesn’t return in Week 13, the rookie running back is expected back on the field soon, which should help the Chargers’ offense as they make a push for the playoffs.
