The Los Angeles Chargers face a critical turning point early in the 2025-26 season. What began as a promising 3-0 start has quickly unraveled with two consecutive losses and a devastating injury to their breakout rookie running back.
Now, speculation is mounting that the Chargers could make a major trade to steady their backfield and save their playoff hopes.
Could a Dolphins Star Be the Solution the Chargers Need?
According to PFSN’s Max Dorsey, rookie running back Omarion Hampton suffered an ankle sprain during the team’s loss to the Washington Commanders and was later placed on injured reserve. “Hampton suffered an ankle sprain and was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot,” reported NFL insider Ian Rapoport, noting that the Chargers plan to run additional tests to confirm the severity.
After completing the medical evaluations, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Hampton would be moved to the injured reserve list, sidelining him for at least four games.
This development is a major setback for the Chargers’ offense, which is heavily leaning on the rookie’s production. Before the injury, Hampton had rushed for 314 yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries, adding 20 receptions for 136 yards.
His impressive showing had earned him a top-10 ranking among running backs in PFSN’s RBi metric. But with Hampton and Najee Harris sidelined, Los Angeles suddenly finds itself without a proven option in the backfield.
However, PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom’s report on the Miami Dolphins offers a possible solution: running back De’Von Achane, whose talent remains underutilized on a struggling 1-4 Dolphins squad. Despite Miami’s poor offensive output, which ranks 30th in rushing yards per game, Achane has shown flashes of brilliance.
Despite those flashes, Achane has struggled to find consistency in his 2025 season, managing an average of 52.4 rushing yards per game. His toughest outing came in Week 5, when he finished with only 16 yards on 10 rushing attempts.
According to PFSN’s RB Impact metric, Achane holds an RB Impact Score of 79.9 with a C+ grade, ranking 12th for the 2025 season and 70th overall since 2013. Through five games, he has recorded 60 rushing attempts for 262 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and scoring one rushing touchdown. He has also been targeted 32 times in the passing game, reflecting a dual-threat capability that could make him a strong fit in the Chargers’ offensive system.
Statistically, Achane’s career numbers suggest he is capable of much more. In 33 games, he has logged 366 rushing attempts for 1,969 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His 27 career touchdowns underscore his explosiveness when given opportunities. PFSN’s Offense Impact metric rates the Dolphins’ offense at 75.9, which helps explain why Achane has not been able to reach his full potential this season.
The Chargers’ offensive line and quarterback Justin Herbert’s presence could offer Achane the platform he needs to revive his production. As noted by Bergstrom, combining Achane’s explosive style with Najee Harris, once he returns to full health, could provide the stability the Chargers need in their ground game. This balanced approach would allow offensive coordinator Greg Roman to maintain a dependable rushing attack while continuing to rely on Justin Herbert to drive the passing game.
For the Dolphins, parting ways with Achane could signal a willingness to reset ahead of the trade deadline. It might be the move for the Chargers that keeps their season alive. Achane’s combination of speed and versatility could make him the missing piece in an offense desperate for stability if they do make the call.