After looking unstoppable to start the season, QB Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have gone ice-cold. Their 3-0 start quickly deteriorated into back-to-back losses, during which they combined for only 28 points. To make matters worse, Herbert led the team in rushing in their Week 5 loss as they were dealt another huge blow at the running back position with Omarion Hampton’s injury.
Omarion Hampton Injury Update
Having already lost RB Najee Harris for the rest of the season, the last thing the Chargers needed was to lose another running back. Sadly for them, that’s exactly what happened against the Washington Commanders. Their 22-year-old rookie Hampton, who had been phenomenal after replacing Harris, went down with an ankle injury.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hampton suffered an ankle sprain and was spotted leaving the stadium in a walking boot, often an indication of a potentially serious injury. According to Rapoport, the Chargers will conduct further tests on Monday to assess the severity of the sprain.
After the tests, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that Hampton will be placed on the injured reserve. He will now miss at least the next four games.
#Chargers are placing Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR, per Jim Harbaugh. He will miss at least the next four games.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 6, 2025
Looking at the state of their running back room, either RB Hassan Haskins or Kimani Vidal will step up as the Chargers’ leading running back for the next few weeks.
With Hampton out for Week 6, Haskins is currently listed as RB2. Depending on how practice goes this week, he’ll likely assume RB1 duties. Harbaugh could very well determine that a split-backfield is necessary, but neither Haskins nor Vidal has done much damage in the NFL. Seeing as the Chargers are 26th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, there’s plenty Harbaugh still needs to figure out.
Haskins began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans before coming over to Los Angeles in 2024. He’s played in all five games this year, but has just five carries for 13 yards. In his career, he has 64 carries for 195 yards, with both of his touchdowns coming last season. In the air, he’s added 15 receptions on 16 targets for 108 yards and a touchdown.
Vidal, the team’s No. 181 overall pick last season, has only played in two games this year. He appeared in 10 games last season with his career numbers sitting at 47 carries for 173 yards. He isn’t as effective in the passing game, but it’s worth noting that the only touchdown he’s had thus far came from a reception last season.
Hampton will at least miss upcoming games against the Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans.