The Los Angeles Chargers faced a devastating blow on Sunday when star running back Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles during their 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that Harris will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, leaving a gaping hole in a backfield that was already adjusting to injuries and limited depth.
Harris’ injury comes after a long road back from a July fireworks-related eye injury that forced him onto the non-football illness list. In just three games this season, Harris had 15 carries and produced a 53.3% rushing success rate, ranking sixth among all backs with at least 10 carries through Week 3. “He was really playing well,” Harbaugh said. Now, the Chargers must quickly recalibrate their rushing attack, both to protect rookie quarterback Justin Herbert and maintain offensive balance.
Omarion Hampton Emerges
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Rookie Omarion Hampton, drafted in the first round, is now tasked with shouldering the load. In Sunday’s win over Denver, Hampton totaled 129 scrimmage yards on 25 touches—70 on the ground and 59 receiving—including a key 22-yard checkdown on the game-winning drive. “Just stepping up and being someone they can count on,” Hampton said. Harbaugh echoed the praise: “The competitive fire, the fierceness and the acceleration through the holes, there’s no fear.”
Hampton’s production, however, has been inconsistent. He is averaging 3.4 yards per carry, in part due to an offensive line missing key pieces. Left tackle Rashawn Slater is out for the season with a knee injury, and right guard Mekhi Becton has missed multiple games due to illness and a concussion. The Chargers rank 24th in yards before contact per rush, underscoring the difficulty Hampton faces when navigating a disrupted front line.
Chargers Depth Chart and Practice Squad Options
Beyond Hampton, the Chargers’ options are limited. Hassan Haskins, primarily a special teams player, is second on the depth chart, while Kimani Vidal, a 2024 sixth-round pick, remains on the practice squad. Harbaugh has already indicated Vidal is “next man up” and is expected to take Harris’ spot once placed on injured reserve. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has emphasized a shared backfield approach, but with Harris gone, Hampton will likely see a bell-cow workload—a challenge he appears ready to meet.
Trade Market: Big Names and Strategic Fits
The Chargers are exploring trade options to bolster the backfield for both the short and long term.
Long Shot targets:
- Breece Hall (New York Jets): Hall offers explosive dual-threat potential. With the Jets 0-3, New York could consider moving him for draft compensation.
- Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints): Despite a disappointing season, Kamara remains a versatile playmaker. Pairing him with Hampton could create a dynamic one-two punch.
Possible options:
- Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Overshadowed by rookie Bucky Irving, White’s receiving ability makes him a potential complement in a rotation-heavy system.
- Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks): Buried behind Kenneth Walker III, Charbonnet is a younger, high-upside option.
- Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans): A veteran with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, Pollard offers stability and immediate reliability.
Free-agent possibilities:
- Zack Moss: Rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns two seasons ago; at 27, he provides immediate depth.
- Jamaal Williams: Offers a veteran presence and proven pass-catching ability; could stabilize the backfield without draft capital costs.
The Urgency of Action
Harbaugh has a history of moving quickly after key injuries. Following edge rusher Khalil Mack’s recent elbow issue, the Chargers added Clelin Ferrell and Rashad Weaver immediately. The same proactive approach will likely be applied at running back. While Hampton has shown flashes of brilliance, the Chargers cannot rely solely on a rookie in a high-stakes playoff push.
Harris’ injury also highlights a broader vulnerability: an inconsistent offensive line and a lack of depth behind the top two backs. With Herbert thriving in a pass-heavy offense—throwing on 61.5% of plays through Week 3—adding a reliable complement in the running game is essential to prevent defenses from keying exclusively on the quarterback.
Looking Ahead
For Hampton, the opportunity is enormous, both as a primary rusher and a pass-catching weapon. “He’s in a great place to climb from,” Harbaugh said. But reinforcements—whether via trade, free agency, or practice squad promotion—will be crucial if the Chargers are to maintain offensive balance and secure a deep playoff run. The next weeks will define not only the team’s postseason hopes but also the trajectory of Hampton’s career.
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