Kimani Vidal
Running Back #30
Kimani Vidal News
Will Kimani Vidal be the Chargers RB1 in Week 6 vs. Chiefs?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has seen his role grow over the last two weeks. Vidal has seen the same or a higher snap percentage than Omarion Hampton during this stretch. As a result, Vidal has scored 10-plus points and finished inside the top 26 fantasy running backs in back-to-back weeks. The 25-year-old has forced the Chargers into a three-man running back committee, capping the ceiling for all the backs as reliable fantasy options. Vidal enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR RB41 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest yards per carry this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Vidal might lead the Chargers' backfield in Week 6, but he shouldn't be in fantasy lineups.
Oct 17, 2026 8:38 AM EST
Kimani Vidal a Stash-Worthy Waiver Target Whose Role Continues to Expand
After a Week 4 touchdown reception against the Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal recorded his first score on the ground in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, and he has legitimate stash appeal on this week's waiver wire. For the second week in a row, the Chargers deployed a near-even three-way split between Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell, with Vidal actually leading the group with 28 offensive snaps. His 42-yard touchdown run helped him to finish with 57 rushing yards and a 7.1-yard-per-carry average on his eight attempts. While he still isn't seeing enough work to be a reliable weekly start, Vidal has been the team's most efficient runner on a limited sample size, racking up yards after contact. With Hampton disappointing through five weeks, and Vidal possessing multiple potential paths to an expanded workload, he's become a player worthy of an end-of-bench stash in deeper leagues.
Oct 13, 2026 9:49 AM EST
Kimani Vidal Off Fantasy Radar in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has seen more work in the run and pass game over the last two weeks. The 25-year-old has seen six carries and six targets over that stretch. Vidal is coming off an 11.6 PPR performance and had the same snap count percentage as Omarion Hampton. He enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR RB47 in an intriguing matchup against division rival Denver Broncos. Heading into Sunday, the Broncos have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and sixth-most yards per carry. The Broncos defense also has allowed the second-most 20-plus-yard carries (5). Vidal should remain off fantasy radars heading into Week 5, but might see enough volume to take away fantasy value from Hampton and Keaton Mitchell.
Oct 10, 2026 8:26 AM EST
Kimani Vidal Becoming More Involved in Chargers' Backfield Committee
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal saw five carries for 25 yards and caught two of his three targets for 11 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The 25-year-old played 25 offensive snaps, which matched Omarion Hampton, while Keaton Mitchell handled 26 snaps. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that the Chargers have not lost faith in Hampton, a former first-rounder who is the RB1 on the team's RB depth chart. L.A. is trying anything they can to try to pick up their first win of the season, and Vidal, Hampton, and Mitchell will all continue to be involved in some capacity as long as they are all healthy. Going into Week 4, Vidal had just one rushing attempt for six yards and one reception for a 14-yard gain in the first three games of the season. Vidal's fantasy arrow is pointing slightly up after his involvement last week, but he still is not close to having standalone value going into a Week 5 tilt against the division-rival Denver Broncos.
Oct 8, 2026 7:41 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Currently an Afterthought in Fantasy Football
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal can be dropped to waivers in all redraft fantasy football leagues. The 25-year-old has taken a backseat on offense this year, and he didn't even log his first touch of the season until last week. His snap share did jump to a season-high 25% mark last week, but he's still buried behind Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell on the depth chart. Given that the coaching staff has placed a significant amount of trust in those running backs, any path to weekly fantasy relevance for Vidal would likely require both Mitchell and Hampton to miss time. Barring anything unexpected, it looks like he will lack fantasy relevance for the rest of the 2026 season. Vidal can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.
Oct 3, 2026 7:09 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Appears to Be Buried on the Chargers Running Back Depth Chart
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was a breakout success story in 2025, recording 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games (10 starts). However, the 25-year-old has seen his role in the Chargers offense evaporate in 2026, as he's yet to record a single touch through two games. Most of Vidal's production last season came while Chargers RB1 Omarion Hampton was sidelined by an ankle injury. Hampton is back to lead the Los Angeles backfield this season, and offseason acquisition Keaton Mitchell appears to be firmly ahead of Vidal on the team's running back depth chart as well. Barring an injury to Hampton and/or Mitchell, Vidal should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.
Sep 25, 2026 5:21 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal emerged as a useful contributor for fantasy managers at points during the 2025 season, recording 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games. However, much of Vidal's production came in games where Chargers RB1 Omarion Hampton was sidelined by an ankle injury. With Hampton back to lead the Los Angeles backfield in 2026, Vidal played just four snaps and failed to earn a single touch in the Chargers' Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In addition to Hampton, Vidal also appears to be behind Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell on the team's depth chart at the position. Barring an injury to either Hampton or Mitchell, Vidal should likely remain off the radar of fantasy managers in redraft leagues.
Sep 18, 2026 12:38 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Viewed as a Better Pass Protector Over Omarion Hampton
Bolt Beat's Alexander Insdorf noted that Kimani Vidal is probably the best pass protector in the Los Angeles Chargers backfield. Omarion Hampton still has to prove he is the better pass blocker until he takes that title away from Vidal. The Chargers running back room remains one of the most monitored situations by fantasy managers heading into draft weekend. The team is expected to roster Hampton, Vidal, and Keaton Mitchell (knee) this season. All three backs offer fantasy appeal and will have a role in the Chargers' offense under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has said all three backs will be used and he will use a "hot hand" approach. With three backs fighting for snaps, Vidal could find his way onto the field on obvious passing downs if he is viewed as the best pass protector out of the three. If this happens, Vidal could be fantasy relevant this season outside of being a handcuff to Hampton.
Aug 29, 2026 12:24 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Operates as the Chargers RB3 in Their Second Preseason Game
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had four carries for six yards in his team's 41-17 preseason loss to the San Francsicio 49ers Thursday night. Vidal also had two catches for 10 yards on two targets. The 24-year-old entered the game with the second-team unit and played the rest of the first half. Vidal operated as the third back in the rotation and didn't get playing time until after Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell were pulled. McDaniels' plan for his running back rotation becomes a little clearer with how much the three backs have played and, more specifically, when they played during the game. Vidal looks to be utilized as the No. 3 back in the three-man rotation. With fantasy drafts ramping up, he should be viewed as a handcuff back in the later rounds.
Aug 22, 2026 9:22 AM EST
Kimani Vidal Starts Chargers' Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal started Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but his night was brief. Vidal carried five times for eight yards and did not catch his only target before the Chargers moved on to the rest of the backfield. Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell did not play. That difference is worth noting after Los Angeles spent much of camp talking up all three backs. The Chargers' current depth chart now has Mitchell second behind Hampton, with Vidal listed on the third line alongside Amar Johnson. Vidal proved last season that he can handle a bigger workload when needed, rushing for 643 yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries while making 10 starts. Mike McDaniel has also said he plans to use Hampton, Mitchell and Vidal during the regular season. Vidal should still have a role, but Thursday's usage was another sign that he may be entering the year behind Mitchell in the pecking order.
Aug 14, 2026 10:40 AM EST
Kimani Vidal Still a Factor in Chargers Crowded Running Back Room
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is competing for touches in a crowded backfield. Vidal had a career year in 2025, posting 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 total attempts, doing most of his work while both Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) were out. Now that former first-round pick Hampton is back and Keaton Mitchell has been added, Vidal is still fighting for his role in Los Angeles. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said the group of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal is "as deep and complementary a group that [he's] been around." Ranked RB73 by RotoBaller, Vidal is an option if Hampton or Mitchell were to struggle or miss time during the 2026 season.
Aug 7, 2026 7:49 PM EST
Kimani Vidal an Underrated Insurance Running Back
While excitement continues to build around the Los Angeles Chargers' offense, an often overlooked player has become third-year running back Kimani Vidal. Omarion Hampton flashed enough in an injury-shortened rookie season to show why he was a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Keaton Mitchell's game-breaking speed makes his fit in a Mike McDaniel offense easy to envision, but it was Vidal who led the team in carries and rushing yards a season ago, and he could still serve an important role moving forward. While Mitchell has more standalone fantasy value as the likely change-of-pace back, he is ill-equipped to handle a full workload should Hampton miss time again in his second season, making Vidal more of the true handcuff in this offense. At RotoBaller's RB74, he is not a player who needs to be targeted in fantasy drafts, but Vidal should still be viewed as one of the league's more valuable insurance backs, especially with the Chargers expected to field a much healthier offensive line in 2026.
Jul 23, 2026 6:50 AM EST
Kimani Vidal an Undervalued Insurance Back in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal led the team in rushing in 2025 and, with very little fanfare, turned in four different performances as the RB8 or better. While the 2024 sixth-round pick was obviously not the first plan in Jim Harbaugh's offense, veteran acquisition Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton both succumbed to serious injuries that thrust Vidal into a starting role in which he handled himself admirably. In seven games in 2025, Vidal saw at least 10 carries, and despite playing behind an injury-ravaged offensive line that has been panned as one of the league's worst units, he averaged more than 80 rushing yards in such contests, scoring three touchdowns on the ground and a fourth through the air. While free agent acquisition Keaton Mitchell has rightfully been spotlighted as a natural fit in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's speed-based offense, at only 5'8" and 191 pounds, with a history of significant injuries, he is unlikely to see a substantial uptick in carries should presumed bell cow Hampton again miss extended time. In such a scenario, it would likely be Vidal who handles the bulk of the early-down work, and in what projects to be one of the league's most improved offenses, that could easily translate to continued fantasy success. Vidal is RotoBaller's dynasty RB63, and in deeper redraft leagues, he's worth a look at the end of drafts as one of the more valuable insurance backs in the league.
Jul 8, 2026 5:37 AM EST
Kimani Vidal a Dynasty Insurance Back with Week-Winning Upside
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has become one of the more unheralded insurance backs in dynasty. With the Chargers' signing of former Raven Keaton Mitchell in free agency, the fourth-year undrafted runner out of East Carolina was quick to earn sleeper status in Mike McDaniel's speed and spacing-based offense, but in a true emergency situation, it is Vidal who is more likely to take on something closer to an every-down role should presumed starter Omarion Hampton miss extended time with injury. As a rookie in 2025, Hampton missed eight games with a fractured ankle, and with veteran Najee Harris already lost for the year by that point with a torn Achilles, it was the 2024 sixth-round pick Vidal who led the Chargers in rushing attempts and yards, turning in four top-10 fantasy finishes in his 10 starts. In what appears to be a vastly improved offense heading into 2026, the 24-year-old Vidal remains a must-roster handcuff with legitimate week-winning potential as an injury fill-in.
Jun 14, 2026 5:12 AM EST
Kimani Vidal's Dynasty Value in Question Due to Uncertain Playing Time Outlook in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal played a surprisingly important role in his team's offense in 2026, finishing the year with 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games. The Chargers were forced to turn to Vidal early in the year due to injuries to running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. While Vidal is back with Los Angeles for 2026, his playing time is an open question. Hampton should be fully healthy for the start of the year and profiles as a three-down back. The Chargers also signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal in free agency, which could signify that Mitchell has the upper hand on Vidal for the team's RB2 role. Despite the productive year in 2025, Vidal's dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction entering 2026.
May 7, 2026 11:28 AM EST
Kimani Vidal's Playing Time in Los Angeles an Open Question Heading into 2026
After starting the 2025 season on the practice squad, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal was not expected to play a significant role in his team's offense. However, early-season injuries to Chargers backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris led to Vidal spending a sizable chunk of the year as his team's lead rusher. Across 13 games, the 24-year-old collected 779 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 171 touches. Los Angeles re-signed Vidal this offseason, so he will be back in the mix for the Chargers in 2026. Still, Hampton is expected to be fully healthy and will likely return to the RB1 role. Additionally, Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency, which could push Vidal to the Chargers RB3 role. Despite the surprisingly strong year in 2025, Vidal's fantasy value in dynasty formats is questionable heading into 2026.
Apr 15, 2026 4:39 PM EST
Chargers Officially Re-Sign Kimani Vidal
The Los Angeles Chargers officially re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back Kimani Vidal to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire. Vidal saw a lot more work in 2025 than probably anyone was expecting, even Vidal. Early-season injuries to Najee Harris (Achilles) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) forced the 24-year-old into the RB1 role in L.A. last year, and it led to 155 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Vidal also had 16 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Harris won't return to the Chargers, but the Chargers added Keaton Mitchell to the running back room alongside Hampton, who will be in his second season in the NFL. Vidal figures to be the favorite to win the RB2 role to begin next season, but Mitchell will probably take a lot of valuable pass-catching opportunities. At best, Vidal will probably be a handcuff option for managers who select Hampton.
Apr 14, 2026 6:22 PM EST
Kimani Vidal Could Be Sliding Down the Running Back Depth Chart in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal played a surprisingly prominent role in his team's offense in 2025, recording 779 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games (10 starts). After opening the year on the practice squad in Los Angeles, Vidal was thrust into a starting role after Chargers' backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles) were both forced onto Injured Reserve, Hampton by an ankle injury and Harris with a torn Achilles tendon. However, Vidal's role with the Chargers could be significantly diminished in 2026. Hampton should enter training camp fully healthy and profiles as the team's clear lead back. Los Angeles also signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year contract in free agency, which could signify that Mitchell has the edge on Vidal for the team's RB2 role. Vidal could still be worth rostering in deep dynasty formats as a depth piece, but his stock is fading given his murky playing time outlook in Los Angeles.
Mar 26, 2026 6:40 AM EST
Chargers Place Exclusive-Rights Tender on Kimani Vidal
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Friday that they placed an exclusive-rights tender on free-agent running back Kimani Vidal to keep him around for the 2026 season. The Chargers also signed running back Jaret Patterson and safety Kendall Williamson to contract extensions. The 24-year-old Vidal was thrust into a bigger role than anticipated last year when both Najee Harris (Achilles) and rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) went down with injuries. The former sixth-rounder in 2024 out of Troy had 155 carries for 643 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games, adding 16 catches for 136 yards and another score. Vidal proved to be a reliable plug-and-play RB3/flex option for fantasy managers, although with Hampton returning as the Bolts' clear lead back, it will be difficult for Vidal to improve on his numbers in 2026.
Mar 6, 2026 12:04 PM EST
Can Kimani Vidal Maintain a Consistent Role in Los Angeles Heading into 2026?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal emerged as a viable NFL rusher in 2025, recording 643 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries across 13 games played (10 starts). Vidal was thrust into a feature role in the Chargers' backfield early in the season after Los Angeles backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris went on Injured Reserve with ankle and Achilles injuries, respectively. A first-round draft pick in 2025, Hampton looks like the long-term RB1 in Los Angeles as long as he can return to full health in 2026 and beyond. However, Vidal may have done enough in 2025 to prove he is worthy of maintaining a role alongside Hampton. Additionally, the Chargers have brought in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator heading into 2026. In his time in Miami, McDaniel's best offenses supported quality fantasy production from multiple running backs. Vidal's dynasty upside is limited by Hampton's presence, but he still may be worth rostering as a solid handcuff option with some level of standalone appeal.
Feb 11, 2026 6:59 AM EST
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