LA Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has been out for more than a month, as the team has been juggling depth pieces to keep the run game afloat. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been reduced to working with 4th-stringer Kimani Vidal as his bellcow back, with Najee Harris and Hassan Haskins also out.
However, Hampton recently alluded to a possible return.
LA Chargers RB Omarion Hampton Hints That He’ll Return ‘Soon’
Hampton made a cryptic TikTok post suggesting he’s not far from returning to action. He posted a photo of himself taking on former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt, captioning the post: “#soon”
The rookie had a strong start to his season, rushing for 70 yards and one touchdown in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, also adding 59 receiving yards. He topped that performance the following week, with 128 rushing yards, one score, and 37 receiving yards versus the New York Giants.
However, just as he seemed to take off, his wings were clipped by a severe ankle injury against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Running a route out of the backfield, the rookie made contact with a defender, resulting in the injury. With Harris also out, Harbaugh was already down to Haskins and Vidal early in the season.
According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, the Chargers have the 22nd-ranked offense in the league, mainly due to injuries to key players.
On October 6, the head coach confirmed that Hampton will be placed on IR, and Vidal has since surprised everyone with a selection of strong performances. Featuring often from Week 6, the former depth piece impressed everyone with two 100-yard games and a 95-yarder. He’s helped out through the air as well, with conservative touches in the pass game.
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When Hampton was placed on IR, it was initially expected that he would miss four games. However, progress has been slow, as he recently missed their Week 11 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking his sixth game out.
On November 3, Harbaugh also confirmed that the rookie will be kept out through the team’s Week 12 bye, paving the way for him to return against the Raiders in Week 13 at the earliest.
On November 7, optimistic news came out that Hampton was working out to the side of the field, which was a step in the right direction for the rookie’s return.
The Chargers are in desperate need to have as many healthy players available as possible. The AFC West is one of the most feared divisions in the league this season, and Harbaugh’s men have to put up a wild fight just to make it into the postseason as a Wild Card.
