In Week 11, the Los Angeles Chargers were thrashed by the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 35-6 in a game where Justin Herbert was the leading rusher with 21 yards on three attempts.
This week, the team finds itself on a bye week before facing the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. One of the biggest questions about the team is the health of running back Omarion Hampton. Here’s what we know at this time.
How is Omarion Hampton’s Recovery?
Hampton has been on the injured reserve ever since he sustained an ankle injury in the second half of the team’s Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite being on the injured reserve for the four-game minimum, Hampton has remained on it coming into the Week 12 bye week.
However, it would appear that his return to football could be sooner rather than later.
The Chargers put together their “Five Takeaways” for the bye week, and one of those revolved around the rookie running back. According to the release, head coach Jim Harbaugh claimed that Hampton could return to practice after the bye week earlier this month. He was asked if that was still the case, and he said, “We’ll make that decision next week. It all depends on how he progresses this week.”
It sounds like we won’t have a definitive answer on his status for the next week, but we hope he can start practicing soon. It’s understandable, however, that they don’t want to rush him back, considering he is only a rookie. There’s no reason to rush him and risk re-injury, especially when the team is 7-4.
Not only has Hampton been out for an extended period of time, but so have Hassan Haskins and Najee Harris, both of whom are placed on injured reserve as well.
The running back who has remained is Kimani Vidal.
Vidal was selected in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This season, Vidal has been forced to step into big shoes, considering the injuries to the running back room.
In eight games this season, Vidal has rushed 96 times for 417 yards and two touchdowns. As a receiver, he’s caught 12 passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. This season, he ranks as the 32d best running back with an impact grade of 72.3 and a letter grade of C- according to PFSN’s Running Back Impact metrics.
Vidal has done a fine job, but in a small sample, Hampton was much better. In five games, Hampton rushed 66 times fr 214 yards and two touchdowns. As a pass catcher, he caught 20 receptions for 136 yards.
The Chargers organization and fans alike are eagerly waiting for the return of Hampton. While there is no certainty, the hope is that he can return sooner rather than later.
