After starting the season 3-0, the Los Angeles Chargers have lost two straight games, including Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders. To make matters worse, star rookie running back Omarion Hampton was injured in the game.
Here’s everything to know about Hampton’s status and whether he’s expected to miss significant time.
Omarion Hampton Injury Update: How Long Will the Rookie RB Be Out?
In the Chargers’ loss to the Commanders, Hampton left the game in the third quarter with a reported ankle injury and did not return, raising concerns about how serious it might be.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hampton suffered an ankle sprain and was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot, which is often a sign the injury could be significant. Rapoport also reported that the Chargers plan to run additional tests on Monday to determine 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
It’s tough news for the Chargers, who, as Rapoport noted, are already dealing with injuries across the roster. The team selected Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s been great in his rookie season thus far.
Through four and a half games, he’s totaled 314 yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries while adding 20 receptions for 136 yards as a receiver, ranking as the 10th-best running back in the league according to PFSN’s RBi metric.
Losing a player of Hampton’s caliber will be a significant setback for the Chargers’ offense, which is already without running back Najee Harris, who suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos.
Since Hampton cannot play in Los Angeles’ Week 6 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the Chargers will rely on Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins to handle the backfield duties.
READ MORE: Chargers RB Depth Chart: Who’s Left in LA’s Backfield After Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris Injuries?
Both have been dependable backup options throughout their careers. Still, neither has ever been the focal point of a rushing attack, leaving questions about how effective the Chargers’ ground game can be without Hampton.
Hampton will at least miss upcoming games against the Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans.