It didn’t take long for the Los Angeles Chargers’ momentum to stall, this time by way of an injury to RB Omarion Hampton.
Hampton, the club’s first-round pick, left Week 5’s loss to the Commanders with a leg injury. It’s since been deemed a left ankle ailment, causing him to leave the locker room in a walking boot.
Three weeks into the season, the Chargers were 3-0, with each of their wins coming against bitter division rivals. Two weeks later, L.A. has dropped consecutive contests and lost its most promising first-year player. That begs some questions:
What’s the latest Omarion Hampton injury update? How much time will he miss? And who will lead the Chargers' backfield?
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How Long is Omarion Hampton Out For?
Whether you’re the Chargers, a Bolts fan, or a Hampton fantasy owner, this is bad news.
On Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that Hampton is going on injured reserve, and is required to miss at least four games. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that there’s a “good chance” the 22nd overall pick sits out just those contests, however, which is a silver lining.
L.A. does have some options, even with Hampton temporarily on the shelf and Najee Harris done for the year.
Chargers RB Depth Chart Without Hampton
Without Hampton for the next month or so, here’s how the Chargers’ RB depth chart stacks up:
- RB1: Hassan Haskins
- Practice Squad: Kimani Vidal
- Practice Squad: Amar Johnson
A sensible progression could be signing Vidal to the active roster. He’s been elevated, after all, for games this season. Hampton landing on IR also frees up a natural roster spot.
An external addition may also be on the table. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the Chargers are “likely to” consider tryouts or even trades.
Hassan Haskins Fantasy Football Outlook
- In Week 5’s defeat, Haskins received the same number of snaps (14) as Vidal. He’s expected to potentially get the first crack at replacing Hampton in the run game.
- Haskins, a Michigan product, led the Big Ten in rush attempts (270) and TDs (20) as a senior under Harbaugh. At the NFL level, though, he’s failed to replicate that per-down efficiency. In two years as a Charger, the former fourth-round pick averages just 2.6 yards a carry.
- Playing in all 17 games last season, Haskins posted a 50% rushing success rate and had 3 total TDs.
Kimani Vidal Fantasy Football Outlook
- Vidal, a 2024 L.A. sixth-rounder, had a near-TD against the Commanders this past Sunday.
- As a rookie, he averaged a healthy 4.5 yards per touch.
- During the preseason, Vidal’s 69 rushing yards and 2 TDs trumped Haskins’ 67 yards. He’s also more of a receiving threat, having hauled in 92 passes for 700 yards during his collegiate career at Troy.
- Vidal’s plus speed and explosiveness make him a higher-upside play should Haskins struggle. He may also slot in as a third-down back for the time being.
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