LA Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has been dealing with an ankle injury for the last couple of weeks. Coach Jim Harbaugh has had to rely on backfield depth to compensate for Hampton’s lost production. Let’s look at the latest update regarding the rookie first-rounder’s injury status.
Omarion Hampton’s Injury Is Another Blow to the Chargers’ Backfield
Hampton’s injury is the second big hit that LA has taken to its backfield this season. Week 3 saw the first blow when Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles during their 23-20 win against the Denver Broncos. The former Pittsburgh Steeler was added to the IR and ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
This paved the way for Hampton to take on a workhorse role in Harbaugh’s offense, stabilizing the run game next to quarterback Justin Herbert’s pass game. He made the most of the opportunity, booking his career-first 100-yard game on the ground the very next week.
However, his luck soon ran out, as he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of Week 5 matchup versus the Washington Commanders. Hampton went to the locker room with a trainer and wore a walking boot on his left foot after the game. After testing, the rookie was placed on the IR on October 8, with the expectation that he’ll need at least four weeks to recover.
It’s safe to assume that the Chargers, currently ranked 19th on PFSN’s Offensive Impact Metrics, could very well be in the market for a running back at the trade deadline. Herbert has been carrying a heavy load in the absence of his top two backs, and the offensive line’s injury concerns aren’t helping, either.
With Hampton and Harris sidelined, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal have been splitting the workload.
Haskins has been producing at a minimal level, and his chest and hamstring injuries haven’t helped him secure the lead-back spot.
Vidal, on the other hand, has been served well by his healthy status. While LA’s running backs have dropped one after the other, he rose from fourth on the depth chart to record the first 100-yard rushing game of his career. In a 29-27 win against the Miami Dolphins, he put up 124 rushing yards, 14 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
With Hampton still more than a month away from returning to action (NFL.com), Vidal will get a solid chance at securing his future in LA’s backfield. His next test will be against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8.