It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Los Angeles Chargers will be among the NFL’s most aggressive teams as the trade deadline approaches. After swinging a deal for former first-round edge rusher Odafe Oweh last week, the Chargers have now turned their attention to the offensive backfield — an area that’s grown thin in recent weeks.
Running back has quickly become a concern for Jim Harbaugh’s team. Najee Harris is out for the season with an Achilles injury, and first-round rookie Omarion Hampton was placed on injured reserve following an ankle injury in Week 5 against Washington.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter joined The Pat McAfee Show and pointed to Los Angeles as one of the league’s most active buyers. “You’ve got the Chargers looking for running backs,” Schefter said, listing them ahead of the Eagles, Dolphins, and Browns. That comment, while brief, underscores a growing sense that the Chargers are preparing to make another meaningful move.
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Hampton’s Recovery Timeline Shifts
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Hampton’s injury initially appeared minor, but optimism has since cooled. The rookie sustained the injury late in the third quarter when a Commanders defender stepped on the back of his foot on a fourth-and-two attempt. The team placed him on injured reserve the following Wednesday, ensuring at least a four-game absence.
Multiple reports now indicate Hampton “isn’t expected to be ready” when first eligible in Week 10, with a more realistic return coming after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye — meaning Week 13 could mark his earliest comeback.
Harbaugh praised Hampton as a “special player” but emphasized the need for patience. “We’ve got to let it heal fully before we put him back out there,” he said.
Joe Hortiz Canvassing the League
General manager Joe Hortiz has been “canvassing the league” for backfield reinforcements, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The Chargers’ deliberate approach fits their history of caution with player recovery, particularly after Harris’ season-ending injury.
In the meantime, Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins have carried the load admirably. Vidal rushed for 124 yards on 6.9 yards per carry last Sunday, while Haskins made key pass-protection plays — including one that helped Justin Herbert set up the game-winning field goal.
Whether the Chargers settle for a depth addition or swing big again, one thing’s clear: Los Angeles intends to stay aggressive, with an eye toward both the short-term playoff race and long-term roster stability.
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