Omarion Hampton’s return from injury continues to be delayed, leaving the Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield in flux. The rookie running back, sidelined since Week 5 with an ankle injury, was initially expected to come off injured reserve (IR) in Week 10. However, head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Hampton’s 21-day practice window likely won’t open until after the team’s Week 12 bye.
“Hampton isn’t expected to return until after the Week 12 bye,” Harbaugh said. “That’s our current plan, but it can always change.”
Hampton’s absence follows the season-ending injury to Najee Harris, compounding the Chargers’ running back woes. In the meantime, Kimani Vidal has stepped into the lead role, with Hassan Haskins also on the injured reserve.
“Vidal’s production has given us the time to be patient with Hampton’s recovery,” Harbaugh noted.
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Impact on the Chargers’ Ground Game
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The Chargers have struggled to find consistency without their top two backs. Hampton had begun to establish himself as a workhorse, recording 129 and 165 scrimmage yards in two games before his injury, scoring in each contest. His power between the tackles and ability to gain yards after contact have been missed.
“Without Hampton, the offense hasn’t found the same rhythm,” noted PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact metric, which ranks Los Angeles 16th in the league since Hampton went down.
Meanwhile, Vidal has totaled 291 rushing yards through four starts, adding both a rushing and receiving touchdown. While solid, he lacks the same physical edge Hampton provides.
Timing and Upcoming Matchups
With Hampton out through at least Week 12, he will miss the Chargers’ Week 10 home clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Week 11 road game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. If his practice window opens on schedule post-bye, he could be ready for the Week 13 divisional showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Hampton taking the time to fully recover is a priority,” Harbaugh said. “We don’t want to rush him back and risk further setbacks.”
The Chargers also face the lingering challenge of injuries along the offensive line. Joe Alt’s season-ending ankle surgery leaves Justin Herbert and the running backs facing an uphill battle against teams like Pittsburgh, whose pass rush ranks second-best in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
For fantasy managers and Chargers fans alike, Hampton’s absence is a blow. Yet, the team’s current 6-3 record shows they can weather the storm with depth players stepping up. A healthy Hampton returning in Week 13 could restore stability to the backfield and take pressure off the passing game during the stretch run.
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