After nearly two months sidelined by a fractured ankle, Omarion Hampton is finally back in action for the Los Angeles Chargers. The first-round running back was officially activated from injured reserve ahead of Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a significant boost to a Chargers offense desperately needing reinforcement in the backfield.
Hampton's return comes at a critical moment for Los Angeles as the team pushes toward the playoffs. The 22-year-old rookie suffered the devastating ankle injury during Week 5 against the Washington Commanders, forcing the Chargers to navigate their rushing attack without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.
The Road Back: From Injury to Activation
Hampton's journey back to the field has been methodical and carefully managed by the coaching staff. The rookie was initially placed on injured reserve after the October 5 tackle that fractured his ankle, but he began practicing last week in a yellow jersey—a designation Coach Jim Harbaugh uses for players working through injuries.
By Friday's practice session, Hampton had progressed significantly, switching to the blue jersey worn by the rest of the offense. This visual indicator signaled that he was ready for game action. Hampton himself expressed his eagerness to return, telling reporters: "If it's up to me, I'll always play. But I got to wait for the doc. Whatever they say goes."
What Hampton Brings Back to the Offense
Before his injury, Hampton had established himself as a
dual-threat running back capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. In his five games before the ankle fracture, he accumulated
314 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 66 carries, while also catching 20 passes for 136 yards.
His most impressive stretch came after veteran running back Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3. Hampton responded by posting a team-high 129 yards from scrimmage and his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 victory over Denver. Over that critical three-week span, he ranked
third in the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 364 yards, demonstrating why the Chargers invested a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) in the North Carolina product.
Filling the Void: Kimani Vidal's Unexpected Success
During Hampton's absence, the Chargers turned to
Kimani Vidal, a sixth-round pick from 2024 who had been released during roster cuts. Vidal's emergence as a capable backup has been one of the season's feel-good stories. The journeyman running back has posted
three games with 100 or more rushing yards—the most for any Chargers player in a single season since Melvin Gordon in 2018.
However, the Chargers' rushing attack remained inconsistent without Hampton's proven production. Vidal's success, while impressive, couldn't fully replace the dynamic playmaking Hampton provides. The return of the rookie should add another dimension to an already explosive offensive attack.
Cautious Optimism Moving Forward
While Hampton's activation is welcome news, the Chargers are taking a measured approach to his return. The coaching staff may initially limit his snaps, easing him back into the rotation alongside Vidal and fellow running back Hassan Haskins, who was also activated from injured reserve.
Hampton's return also coincides with potential good news at quarterback, as
Justin Herbert is expected to play despite being listed as questionable with a hand injury. The combination of both offensive weapons returning could provide the spark Los Angeles needs as it makes its playoff push in the final stretch of the season.
For fantasy football players and Chargers fans alike, Hampton is being projected as a viable "Start" candidate for Week 14, with experts optimistic about his ability to reclaim workhorse-back status.
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NFL Trade Rumors - Chargers Activate RB Omarion Hampton2.
Hindustan Times - Omarion Hampton Injury Update3.
ESPN - Chargers RB Omarion Hampton Expected to Return Monday4.
NFL.com - Chargers to Activate Rookie RB Omarion Hampton5.
Times of India - Omarion Hampton Injury Update
Sources
1. Chargers Activate RB Omarion Hampton Among Seven ...
2. Omarion Hampton injury update: Chargers get positive news
3. Chargers RB Omarion Hampton expected to return Monday
4. Chargers to activate rookie RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) ...
5. Omarion Hampton injury update: Insider breaks silence on ...
6. Omarion Hampton on Progressing From His Injury
7. Bolts Elevate Hampton, Haskins and Ogbonnia from ...
