The Los Angeles Chargers face another significant setback in their backfield following Sunday’s disappointing loss to Washington. Omarion Hampton sustained an ankle injury late in the game and was unable to return. For fantasy football managers counting on the emerging running back, what is his current status moving forward?
Omarion Hampton Injury Update
Hampton suffered his ankle injury late in the third quarter during the Chargers’ 27-10 defeat to the Commanders. The injury occurred on a fourth-and-two play with 1:51 remaining in the quarter when a pass rusher appeared to step on the back of Hampton’s foot during the play.
The second-year running back was forced to exit the game and did not return for the final quarter. He was spotted leaving the locker room after the game wearing a walking boot on his left ankle, which typically indicates a player will miss time.
Before his injury, Hampton had been performing well in his expanded role, particularly as a receiver. He caught all six of his targets for 26 yards while adding 12 carries for 44 yards. His involvement in the passing game had made him a valuable three-down option for the Chargers’ offense.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the Chargers expect Hampton to miss some time due to the ankle injury. Later in the day, the Chargers gave us a minimum timeline, placing Hampton on IR. The earliest he can return is now Week 10.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the media later in the day. “He has been really getting in a really good rhythm, playing well. Special player. That was an unfortunate occurrence. He’ll be placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games, and then he’ll come back as soon as he’s able. We’re confident in his recovery process and know he’ll return as soon as he can after that.”
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It’s worth noting that the Chargers have a Week 12 bye. If Hampton cannot return when first eligible in Week 10, it stands to reason they won’t bring him back in Week 11 for one game, instead opting to give him two additional weeks to recover. There’s a very realistic chance we don’t see the talented rookie again until Week 13.
Hampton’s absence comes at a particularly challenging time for Los Angeles, as they are already dealing with injuries to key players. The team lost Najee Harris for the season due to a torn achilles and are down multiple offensive lineman, including stud Joe Alt.
In Hampton’s absence against the Commanders, the team turned to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to handle the rushing duties. Neither player made a significant impact, combining for just 31 yards on nine carries as the Chargers struggled to establish any ground game.
The Chargers may need to explore external options to bolster their running back depth while Hampton recovers. Free agents like Gus Edwards and Zack Moss have been mentioned as potential targets to provide veteran leadership and production.
Should You Add Kimani Vidal or Hassan Haskins From the Waiver Wire?
If you came here looking for clarity on which Chargers’ backup running back to claim, I take no pleasure in reporting I don’t have an answer for you. The reality is no one does. We simply do not know.
Entering this season, the expectation was that Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman would go with their usual run-heavy approach. That’s always been Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy. Instead, it’s been the opposite.
The Chargers lead the NFL with a 65% neutral game script pass rate. With Hampton out, it’s hard to imagine them deciding that’s too much. If anything, they are likely to lean on Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen even more. Those are their best players, and it wouldn’t make sense to take the ball away from them to give it to Kimani Vidal or Hassan Haskins.
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At the same time, the Chargers will call run plays. Someone has to get the ball when they do. Unfortunately, the answer to who it will be is likely “both.”
It’s a very, very small sample size. But after Hampton left the game, Haskins saw six touches and Vidal five. It was a pretty even split. That is what fantasy managers should expect over the next couple of weeks for as long as Hampton is out.
Both Haskins and Vidal are worth waiver claims. We’ve seen a rash of injuries devastate fantasy rosters. We have bye weeks. Fantasy managers need bodies. Both Chargers’ backs are not going to get you zero. But they’re also not likely to hit double-digits unless one of them finds the end zone. Your guess is as good as mine as to who that will be.
Given the fact that Hampton may be out for a lengthy amount of time, it seems very plausible that the Chargers will look outside their current roster for an answer. I would not spend significant waiver capital on either.
