Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been the Chargers' primary running back while Omarion Hampton (ankle) has been working his way back from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 5. Recent reports have suggested that Hampton has been limited in practice all week and is expected to return to the lineup. The Chargers have until Saturday afternoon to activate Hampton from the IR, and that may determine the fate of second-year running back Vidal, out of Troy University, and whether he remains fantasy relevant or not. Once healthy, Hampton figures to handle a majority of the workload, as the rookie running back out of North Carolina has rushed for 314 yards and two touchdowns while catching 20 passes for 136 yards over five games this season and is clearly the better back from a skill-set standpoint, which is why the Chargers spent a first-round draft pick on him in the 2025 NFL Draft. Vidal has stepped in and has been productive in Hampton's absence, with 417 rushing yards, 52 receiving yards, and three touchdowns, and is deserving of earning a portion of the running back touches even with Hampton healthy. The question is whether that amount of touches is enough to remain fantasy-relevant or not. Fantasy managers should hold onto Vidal for another week or two and see how things play out while Hampton ramps up.
Nov 28, 2025 9:44 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been up and down as the team's primary rushing option over the previous few weeks. However, LA's backfield is due for a shift with teammate Omarion Hampton (ankle) working his way back to full health. Consistency has been an issue for Vidal, posting three outings of 95 or more rushing yards that were followed up with a performance of 30 or fewer. He was a fine fill-in while the team dealt with a myriad of injuries, but is set to see his touch share drop significantly as the rookie was expected to return at some point after the Chargers' bye week. It isn't a guarantee that Hampton will play when the team lines up against the Raiders in Week 13, meaning Vidal may have another week or two where he's playable. Still, his time as a viable fantasy asset is running thin.
Nov 21, 2025 11:13 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal carried the ball five times for 13 yards and caught two passes for -1 yards in the team's worst offensive showing of the year with a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He briefly left the game with a thigh injury before returning, but the offense never found its rhythm, running only 45 plays and maintaining possession for just 22 minutes. Vidal's roller-coaster season continued, fluctuating between productive games and complete duds. His workload might decrease after the Bolts' much-needed Week 12 bye, as rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) appears close to returning from IR after shedding his walking boot and resuming side work in practice. If Hampton is activated in Week 13, Vidal could shift back into a secondary role. The bye week arrives at the perfect time for his recovery and for fantasy managers looking for clarity.
Nov 18, 2025 12:53 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (thigh) has returned to his team's Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars after briefly exiting due to a thigh injury. Keeping Vidal healthy is critical given that the Chargers' backfield is already without top running backs Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles). If Vidal were to suffer another injury, Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams would be the likely candidates in Los Angeles to handle backfield work for the remainder of Week 11. As long as he can stay on the field, Vidal should be expected to dominate backfield work against Jacksonville.
Nov 16, 2025 2:29 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had a big workload last week, with a 93% snap share and 25 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. This week, however, he faces a challenging Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has become a significant pass-funnel, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards and only six rushing touchdowns all season. Jacksonville is good at preventing big plays, allowing zero rushes of 40 yards or more. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) still on IR, Vidal's heavy usage as the lead back gives him a steady floor. Still, his production mainly depends on the Chargers building an early lead. Due to the Jaguars' tough run defense, Vidal is downgraded to a low-end RB2 this week, projected as RB20.
Nov 14, 2025 5:20 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal handled another big workload as the team's lead back in Sunday night's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, totaling 25 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception (one target) for 13 yards. Vidal has alternated breakout performances with duds over the last few weeks, but the heavy usage has remained consistent while he fills in for an injured Omarion Hampton (ankle). Fantasy managers will largely be happy with Vidal's production as an add off the waiver wire, scoring at least 17 PPR points in three of his five games as the Chargers' workhorse. The second-year back should get at least one more game as the team's top running back before Hampton is expected to return after their Week 12 bye. Vidal will rank as a mid-range RB2 in Week 11 versus the Jaguars.
Nov 10, 2025 12:27 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal struggled against the Tennessee Titans' weak run defense, gaining only 30 yards on 12 carries, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. This Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers presents a much tougher challenge, as the Steelers just held the league's top running back, Jonathan Taylor, to a season-low 45 yards. The Steelers have significantly improved their run defense since the first half of the season, making Vidal's chances of fantasy success highly dependent on a positive game script. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) still on IR, Vidal will see the volume, but if the game stays close, a pass-heavy approach could limit his rushing opportunities. Vidal is considered a mid-range RB2 and a high-floor PPR FLEX option, projected as RB17. However, his ceiling depends on the Chargers securing an early lead.
Nov 7, 2025 5:51 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal followed a standout Week 8 performance with a dud, gaining only 30 yards on 12 carries in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He averaged just 2.5 yards per carry and was outperformed by both Justin Herbert (57 rushing yards) and Jaret Patterson (44 yards), who was elevated from the practice squad again. It's been a rollercoaster for Vidal, who alternates between breakout games and quiet ones. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) both on IR until at least after the Week 12 bye, Vidal will continue to handle lead duties out of necessity. Next Sunday night, the Chargers face a Pittsburgh Steelers' defense that just shut down the league's top running back, Jonathan Taylor, so expectations should remain modest. With so many injuries and inconsistencies, it will be interesting to see if the Bolts' front office makes any trades to strengthen the running back position by the trade deadline tomorrow. For now, Vidal remains an RB3/FLEX option who relies on game script and red-zone opportunities.
Nov 3, 2025 5:23 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had another breakout performance last week with 23 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown, fully embracing his bell-cow role throughout the night. He now faces a Tennessee Titans defense that ranks 26th against the run and has surrendered a league-high 14 rushing touchdowns this season. With key defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) ruled out, the Titans' already fragile run defense is even more vulnerable. Additionally, backup running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) is again ruled out, solidifying Vidal's volume advantage. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB13 this week. He is a must-start in all leagues and a borderline high-end RB1.
Oct 31, 2025 5:15 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has taken over the starting role in Omarion Hampton's absence and made the most of it. Over his three starts, Vidal has logged 50 carries for 261 yards (5.2 YPC) and a touchdown, adding 39 yards and another score through the air. During that span, he's averaged 16.7 PPR points per game, ranking as the RB7. Vidal has handled roughly 70% of the snaps, with Hassan Haskins filling in on about 30%. That kind of workload in the Chargers' explosive offense gives the 2024 sixth-round pick significant upside. The Week 9 matchup is especially appealing, as the Titans have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season. With no clear timetable for Hampton's return, Vidal should continue to command the backfield and deliver strong fantasy production.
Oct 30, 2025 10:11 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal totaled 23 carries, 117 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also caught one of his two targets for an additional 10 receiving yards. The 24-year-old capitalized on a positive game script and turned in a high-volume, high-efficiency performance on primetime. He has been quite effective since taking over for Omarion Hampton (ankle), averaging 16.7 rushing attempts, 2.7 receptions, 100 scrimmage yards, and 0.7 touchdowns per game over the last three weeks. Los Angeles is rumored to have serious interest in an external running back addition, but until that comes to fruition, Vidal will remain the Bolts' lead back. He has firmly established himself as the preferred option over Hassan Haskins, who had just one carry for three yards on Thursday Night Football.
Oct 24, 2025 12:17 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was limited in Week 7, rushing for only 20 yards on nine carries as the Bolts faced a negative game script for most of the day, throwing the ball 55 times. However, he remains the clear lead back, especially since backup running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday. This week, Vidal faces a Minnesota Vikings run defense that is middle-of-the-pack but showed strength last week by holding Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley to just 2.4 yards per carry. With Haskins out, Vidal is expected to get nearly all the early-down work and see more red-zone opportunities. The Chargers might also focus more on the run game to help reduce the pressure on Justin Herbert. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB23, making him a reliable low-end RB2/FLEX option based on volume and potential red zone touches.
Oct 22, 2025 11:32 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal couldn't capitalize on last week's breakout, rushing nine times for only 20 yards and adding four catches for 15 yards in Sunday's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. A negative game script forced the Chargers to abandon the run early, giving Vidal little room to operate. With a short week ahead against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bolts may need to rely more on the ground game to balance their offense. The Vikings are much more vulnerable against the run than the pass, providing Vidal a potential opportunity for rebound, but only if the Chargers can keep the game close. He remains the clear RB1 until Omarion Hampton (ankle) returns from IR.
Oct 20, 2025 7:14 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal proved himself as the clear leader in the backfield during the team's 29-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins, handling 70% of the snaps and rushing for 124 yards on 18 carries. He also caught three passes for 14 yards and scored a touchdown. Vidal's tough running, which averaged 6.89 yards per carry last week, helped lighten the load on quarterback Justin Herbert. Although the Indianapolis Colts have a strong rush defense, Vidal's likely heavy usage, especially with fellow backup running back Hassan Haskins listed as Questionable (chest), makes him a solid volume-based starter. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB21 this week. He is a low-end RB2 and should be in your lineup, especially if Haskins is limited.
Oct 17, 2025 6:06 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal exploded in Week 6 with 124 rushing yards on 18 carries (6.89 YPC) and three receptions for 14 yards and a touchdown through the air. The reason for his opportunity is that rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) landed on the injured reserve in Week 5, which opened up the door for Vidal, and he made the most of it. At this point, Vidal should not be on your waiver wire and should be picked up immediately if he is. The most encouraging thing for Vidal is that he outsnapped, out-touched, and outplayed other Chargers running back Hassan Haskins by a landslide, saw 67% of the snaps to Haskins' 31%, out-touched him 22 to seven, and outgained him 138 to 23 in all-purpose yards. While fantasy managers may want to temper expectations, considering the Chargers faced the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the seventh most points to running backs on the season, it was encouraging to see one of the two running backs get a majority of the touches, as coming into the matchup on Sunday, it was unclear who the lead back was going to be. Vidal can be viewed as a low-end RB2 moving forward until Hampton returns.
Oct 15, 2025 9:53 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal exploded in Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins with 18 carries for 124 yards (6.89 YPC) and three catches for 14 yards with a receiving touchdown. With rookie sensation Omarion Hampton (ankle) set to miss at minimum the next three games, Vidal was the clear RB1 in this offense, with Hassan Haskins hardly used on Sunday, with only six carries for 14 yards and one reception for nine yards. Vidal played 70% of the snaps, while Haskins played only 28% of them. Vidal proved he is the running back fantasy managers should prioritize in this offense, and moving forward, Vidal should provide low-end RB2 value until Hampton returns. Up next for the Chargers is a tougher matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts, who rank in the top 10 against opposing running backs.
Oct 13, 2025 9:51 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had a monster game in his team's 29-27 Week 6 win over the Miami Dolphins. Vidal recorded 124 rushing yards on 18 carries, adding three catches for 14 yards and a touchdown as well. The 24-year-old looked like the clear lead back for the Chargers in the team's first game since losing Omarion Hampton (ankle) to Injured Reserve. Vidal's 21 total touches were three times as many as fellow Chargers running back Hassan Haskins (seven). With Hampton set to miss at least three more games, Vidal could have an extended run of RB1 playing time for Los Angeles. The Chargers will host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC showdown in Week 7.
Oct 12, 2025 9:08 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal enters Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins, sharing the backfield with Hassan Haskins after Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on IR this week. Vidal looked like the more explosive option last week, averaging 4.5 yards per carry on four rushes and splitting targets with Haskins. Facing the Miami Dolphins, who rank dead last in average rushing yards allowed, presents a significant opportunity for the backfield. However, OC Greg Roman confirmed a committee approach that limits Vidal's volume. Although he's capable in the passing game, don't assume Vidal is set to handle most pass-catching downs, as he only posted 18 receptions in his final year at Troy. RotoBaller ranks him as RB33. He could be more of a touchdown-dependent high-end RB3/FLEX option this week, and managers should monitor his usage throughout the game.
Oct 10, 2025 5:54 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is expected to be part of a running back-by-committee approach in Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins. Vidal is expected to handle more of the pass-catching duties and third-down work in an offense that has been pass-happy so far in 2025, throwing 62.58% according to teamrankings.com. In leagues that are PPR, Vidal should carry a safer floor compared to Hassan Haskins, who is expected to have most of the early-down work and red zone carries. Most reports from Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggest that both Vidal and Haskins will be involved, so neither should be viewed or ranked that much higher than the other. The Chargers take on the Dolphins in Week 6, who are currently allowing the fifth most points to the running back position, which is why Vidal is offering some flex appeal in Week 6. Fantasy managers can start him in a pinch, but if they have other stronger options, start them.
Oct 10, 2025 9:49 AM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers promoted running back Kimani Vidal from the practice squad after placing Omarion Hampton (ankle) on Injured Reserve. With both Hampton and Najee Harris sidelined, Vidal could be asked to contribute immediately behind new lead back Hassan Haskins. The second-year runner has logged just 47 career carries for 173 yards but brings a proven track record of durability and production from his college days at Troy, where he totaled 1,661 rushing yards on 297 carries in 2023. At 5'8" and 215 pounds, Vidal offers a compact, powerful running style that fits well within the Chargers' offensive system. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor his role closely, as he could emerge as a complementary option in Los Angeles' backfield rotation.
Oct 8, 2025 2:54 PM EST
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