The Los Angeles Chargers have had some unfortunate injury luck this season. Starting the season with the unfortunate news of Rashawn Slater being out for the entire year, they got another major blow to the offensive line in the form of a season-ending injury to Joe Alt.
Now, it seems that a porous offensive line is starting to have an impact on other players as well. Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in a vital game with major playoff implications, a slow start was made worse by a major injury to a budding star in running back Kimani Vidal.
What Happened to Kimani Vidal?
With both Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton taken out with injuries, the Chargers were falling short of able bodies to handle the running game for them. Ultimately, they landed on Vidal, who has been a breath of fresh air since taking over.
Instantly electric, he has three games with 95 or more rushing yards in just seven total games played. Against the Jaguars, though, he couldn’t find the same level of success early in the game.
Going for 11 yards in three rushing attempts, he was taken out of the game with an injury to his thigh. It immediately became clear that the blow was severe, as the official account of the franchise confirmed on X.
“Injury update: RB Kimani Vidal (thigh) is questionable to return,” wrote the Chargers account. Even though he returned to the game, he got very little opportunity to make an impact on the game.
Some excellent defense by the Jags, which forced multiple punts and an interception on Los Angeles, alongside a run-heavy offense, allowed them to take complete control of the game. As a result, Vidal ended the night with just five carries for 13 rushing yards.
Fantasy Outlook After Vidal’s Injury
With Omarion Hampton on the shelf at least through the bye, this backfield is getting thin in a hurry.
Amir Johnson and Trayveon Williams would be the fliers to take at the position, but the most likely outcome from any lingering effects would be this offense leaning further into their PROE strategy.
Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden are the two lineup locks, though both Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston would see their floor rise to the level of flex options should this offense abandon the run game.