Fantasy football managers are on high alert as Omarion Hampton inches closer to returning for the Chargers. The team opened his practice window before Week 13, but his comeback was put on hold after a week of workouts. Now, with Week 14 looming, all eyes are on whether he’ll finally be activated.
The real question: How much will that lingering issue affect his explosiveness once he’s back?
Omarion Hampton Injury Update
The Los Angeles Chargers opened Hampton’s 21-day practice window to return from the injured reserve before Week 13’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The team ultimately chose not to activate him from the injured reserve after a week of practice.
Reports indicate that Hampton should return in Week 14. He is likely to return to a split backfield situation with second-year runner Kimani Vidal. Hampton was averaging 15.4 fantasy points per game before his injury, so fantasy managers should be excited to play him regardless of the pending backfield split.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Hampton Fantasy Outlook
The hope at this point is that Hampton (ankle) returns from IR this week, but I typed that exact sentence last week, and by Friday, he was wearing a non-contact jersey.
Justin Herbert threw a red zone interception last week against the Raiders after a few failed goal-line rush attempts, a direct spot where Hampton would have been helpful.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 14 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
The rookie had at least a dozen carries, AND five receptions in each of the last three games he’s played, a level of versatility that tempts me to put him in the flex ranks the second he is activated, even if the role could be limited.Â
Vidal has been good enough in Hampton’s stead, but this franchise wants more than that. Herbert’s salary jumped from a base of $6 million last season to $15 million this season and will continue to rise until hitting $47 million in 2028. Winning with a franchise quarterback on a reasonably affordable deal is what every team aims to do.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
