Omarion Hampton will be suiting up for his first career playoff game, but the Los Angeles Chargers rookie may be playing through pain against the New England Patriots.
The first-round pick returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday, sporting a bulky brace on his right ankle and telling reporters that he fully intends to be on the field at Gillette Stadium.
“Yeah, that’s the plan,” Hampton said when asked about his availability, while also adding that he’s “super excited” to make his NFL postseason debut.
Omarion Hampton’s Ankle Injury Timeline and What It Means for Sunday Night
The Chargers officially listed Hampton as questionable on Friday’s injury report, the expected designation given his practice trajectory. He suffered an injury to his right ankle in Week 17 against the Houston Texans when linebacker Henry To’oTo’o brought him down in the fourth quarter. Hampton stayed in the game — gutting out 29 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 31 receiving yards despite the issue.
“I definitely didn’t want to give up on my team,” Hampton told ESPN. “I just wanted to help my team out as much as I could, so I kept my head down and kept playing.”
That toughness is encouraging. The fact that Los Angeles didn’t elevate a running back from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s matchup was a strong indication that the team expects Hampton to be available. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman have been characteristically vague about the injury’s severity, but the Chargers’ actions speak louder than their non-answers.
Hampton was officially announced as active for the matchup against the Patriots 90 minutes before the start of the game.
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Hampton’s rookie campaign has been defined by injury as much as production. A left ankle fracture against Washington in Week 5 cost him seven games. He returned in Week 14 against Philadelphia and immediately looked like the player who broke out with 165 yards from scrimmage against the Giants in Week 4. Now, his right ankle is causing him problems.
Hampton will suit up — as all signs pointed in that direction — but expect a timeshare with Kimani Vidal. The sixth-round pick from 2024 has been excellent when called upon, rushing for 643 yards and three touchdowns this season and taking on a larger role while Hampton was sidelined. Vidal isn’t the same downhill threat, but he’s proven capable of carrying the load.
New England’s run defense has struggled in the second half of the season, and the Patriots will also be without nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, who was ruled out with a foot injury on Friday.
Hampton’s skill set is built for exploiting these weaknesses. Despite being contacted on 52.4% of his carries this season, he’s forced a missed tackle on nearly 30% of his attempts. His vision and burst make him particularly dangerous on outside runs — the exact calls where New England has struggled to set edges consistently.
According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, the Chargers’ rookie is ranked as the 41st-ranked running back in the league, but he is an important piece for his team.
The Chargers need Hampton healthy because their offensive line won’t create wide rushing lanes through sheer dominance. Justin Herbert can only do so much behind a banged-up front. Hampton’s ability to generate yards after contact and contribute as a receiver takes pressure off the entire offense.
Barring a pregame setback, Hampton will be out there — brace and all — trying to help the Chargers secure their first playoff win of the Herbert era.
