Although it's unclear if Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) will be ready to come off Injured Reserve and play in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he's eligible, head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Tuesday that the rookie RB is improving. "To me, it looks like he's getting better every day. We know he won't be there this week," Harbaugh said. The head coach added that he's "rather not speculate" on anything further. The 22-year-old North Carolina product was still in a walking boot after last Thursday's win over the Minnesota Vikings and has been on IR since injuring his ankle back in Week 5. The one thing we do know is that Kimani Vidal will get at least one more game as the Bolts' lead back, and he should be considered a must-start in Week 9 against the one-win Titans. Hampton needs to be stashed in all fantasy formats, and he is fully expected to take over lead-back duties in L.A. once he returns from IR.
Oct 28, 2025 8:32 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) was seen wearing a walking boot following the team's win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Hampton has required the boot ever since Week 5, when he injured his ankle and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. The rookie was spectacular when healthy, averaging 5.6 rushing yards per carry as the team's primary running back, as well as 5.7 receptions and 0.7 touchdowns per game. Fantasy managers are surely ready for Hampton to return so that he can continue to offer RB1 production, but they may have to be patient given that the rookie still hasn't been able to shed his boot. Kimani Vidal remains the lead running back in Los Angeles for the time being.
Oct 24, 2025 12:39 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is expected to spend more than the minimum four weeks on injured reserve, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The injury that the rookie suffered in Week 5 appears to be serious enough that he'll be out through at least Week 10, and perhaps longer. The Chargers have a Week 12 bye, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Los Angeles hold him out until Week 13, giving him an extra week off to rest. Losing both Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles) is a major blow for the Chargers, who will turn to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal but could also look to make external running back additions.
Oct 12, 2025 9:16 AM EST
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers are "in the market" for a running back. Najee Harris (Achilles) is done for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. To make matters worse, rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) landed on the Injured Reserve list and will miss at least the next four games. As a result, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will presumably split carries on Sunday versus the Miami Dolphins. That arrangement may remain the same until Hampton can return. However, it may change depending on who plays better, or if the Bolts bring in another running back. It's also worth mentioning the Chargers elevated Nyheim Hines, although he likely won't see much work in Week 6. With that in mind, fantasy managers should monitor things moving ahead. Still, it will be Hampton getting the bulk of the snaps at the position once he's back to full-strength no matter who's on the depth chart behim him.
Oct 11, 2025 8:27 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers officially placed rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. In a corresponding move, Kimani Vidal was called up from the practice squad to the active roster. The Bolts also signed veteran pass-catching back Nyheim Hines to the practice squad. An ankle injury suffered in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders is going to keep Hampton out for at least four games. The 22-year-old needs to be stashed in all fantasy formats in the meantime, though, as he should return to bell-cow duties when he's healthy. Heading into Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins, Vidal and Haskins figure to split the backfield workload, making both short-term waiver-wire solutions. Hampton has averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry for 314 yards and two touchdowns on the ground for L.A. in his first five NFL games.
Oct 8, 2025 3:08 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Hampton has a "good chance" to miss the minimum of four games. If Hampton only needs four games to rest up, he could return on Nov. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. Najee Harris (Achilles) is already out for the entire season after tearing his Achilles, so now the Chargers are down to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal in the backfield as they head into a Week 6 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on the road this Sunday. It's a tough break for the Chargers and for Hampton's fantasy managers, but he needs to remain stashed and should return to his RB1 role when he's activated from IR. In the meantime, Haskins and Vidal are likely to form a timeshare, with the Bolts also probably relying on quarterback Justin Herbert's arm and legs more.
Oct 6, 2025 10:26 PM EST
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Chargers are placing rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on the injured reserve. Hampton suffered this ankle injury during their loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Hampton departed this contest early and was seen with a walking boot after the contest. As a result, the breakout running back will miss at least four games as he recovers. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be in danger of missing an extended period of time. With Najee Harris (Achilles) out for the season, Hampton began to take over the lead role in the backfield. In Week 4, Hampton took 12 carries for 128 yards and added five receptions for 37 yards. Before exiting on Sunday, Hampton logged 12 carries for 44 yards and caught all six of his targets. Fantasy managers should expect Hassan Haskins or Kimani Vidal to take most of the workload for the next four weeks, and both should be viewed as top waiver targets.
Oct 6, 2025 4:43 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) may miss some time after he was spotted in the locker room with a walking boot on his left foot following Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders, Ian Rapoport reports. Hampton was injured in the fourth quarter against Washington and was unable to finish the contest, which is why we saw Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins getting some run late in that game as the Chargers tried to make a comeback. Before exiting, Hampton was doing okay with 70 all-purpose yards on six receptions and 12 rush attempts. With the Chargers already losing Najee Harris (Achilles) for the season, this is another blow to the Chargers team and running back room. Fantasy managers with Hampton will want to be aggressive on the waiver wire this week and grab a Haskins or Vidal, or at least have a contingency plan in place if Hampton does indeed miss time.
Oct 6, 2025 9:17 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (left ankle) was seen wearing a walking boot following Sunday's Week 5 loss against the Washington Commanders. The rookie injured himself in the third quarter and was not able to return. He finished Week 5 with 12 carries for 44 rushing yards, as well as six catches for 26 receiving yards. The 22-year-old wasn't able to replicate his top-tier showings from the previous two weeks, but he still turned in a solid fantasy performance, largely thanks to his involvement in the passing game. Unfortunately, Hampton's status for Week 6 is already murky, and a walking boot typically isn't a good sign. Fantasy managers should monitor Hampton's practice participation throughout the week. If healthy, he'll rank as a low-end RB1 against the Miami Dolphins. If not, he'd be inactive while leaving Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to split lead-back duties.
Oct 5, 2025 7:48 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (left ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Washington Commanders. The rookie was listed as questionable to return, but he never ended up getting back into the game. He finished Week 5 with 12 carries for 44 rushing yards, as well as six catches for 26 receiving yards. The 22-year-old wasn't able to replicate his top-tier showings from the previous two weeks, but he still turned in a solid fantasy performance, largely thanks to his involvement in the passing game. Fantasy managers should monitor his practice participation throughout the week. If healthy, he'll rank as a low-end RB1 against the Miami Dolphins.
Oct 5, 2025 7:27 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has firmly established himself as the Chargers' workhorse after his impressive performance against the New York Giants. Hampton handled the majority of snaps (89%) and rushed 12 times for 128 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown, while adding five catches for 37 yards. The Washington Commanders are stronger against the run than the pass, but they remain vulnerable on the road, allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game away from home. Although star tackle Joe Alt (ankle) is out, the expected return of veteran guard Mekhi Becton (concussion) adds interior stability. RotoBaller projects Hampton as RB7 for this week. Considering his workload, increased targets, and pass-catching skills, he is a solid RB1 and a must-start in all formats.
Oct 3, 2025 6:11 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton impressed in the team's first loss of the season to the New York Giants, 21-18. He rushed 12 times for 128 yards and a touchdown, and caught all five of his targets for 37 yards. His 54-yard touchdown showcased his strength and speed, as he continues to be one of the league leaders in forced missed tackles this season. With Najee Harris (Achilles) out for the year, Hampton played over 90% of the snaps and led in the two-minute offense, solidifying his role as a bell-cow running back. In Week 5, he faces a Washington Commanders' defense that is decent against the run but just allowed Atlanta Falcons' running back Bijan Robinson to dominate them through the air. He's heading toward RB1 status, with top-five weekly potential if he maintains this pace.
Sep 30, 2025 12:23 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton rushed for 128 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries during Sunday's Week 4 loss to the New York Giants. He also caught all five of his targets for an additional 37 receiving yards. While Los Angeles fell short and lost its undefeated season, Hampton had the best game of his young career, posting at least 24.9 fantasy points (PPR) for the second consecutive week. He took on an expanded role this week after teammate Najee Harris (Achilles) was lost for the season. Hampton should continue to operate as the every-down back in Los Angeles, ranking as a low-to-mid RB1 in fantasy football. Managers should start him with confidence every week, regardless of the matchup.
Sep 28, 2025 4:55 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is primed for a heavy workload following the season-ending injury to Najee Harris (Achilles). In the team's 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos, Hampton recorded 19 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown, along with six catches for 59 yards, demonstrating his value in both the running and passing game. The 0-3 New York Giants are an ideal matchup, ranking in the bottom third in every defensive category and allowing the second-most rushing yards in the league. Although the absence of guard Mekhi Becton (concussion) could create some vulnerability, Hampton's expected workhorse role and favorable opponent position him for a strong performance. RotoBaller projects Hampton as RB10 this week and considers him a must-start across all formats.
Sep 26, 2025 3:24 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is set to take on a much larger role after veteran Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2's 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos. With Harris sidelined for the season, the Chargers will lean heavily on their first-round pick. Hampton delivered in Week 3, handling 19 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing six catches for 59 yards through the air. His all-around performance drew high praise from head coach Jim Harbaugh, who said after the game, "Man, what a game (Hampton) had. How about that?!" With volume on his side and a favorable schedule ahead, Hampton profiles as a high-end RB2 with the upside to finish even higher as the season progresses.
Sep 22, 2025 6:11 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton had the best game of his young career in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. Hampton rushed 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, adding six catches for 59 yards on seven targets as well. Perhaps most critically for his fantasy status, Hampton may be in line for a massive workload going forward after the unfortunate news that veteran Chargers running back Najee Harris (Achilles) suffered an Achilles injury in Week 3. The 22-year-old Hampton has now recorded 215 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 51 total touches. With Harris potentially missing significant time, Hampton could vault back into being a must-start fantasy running back.
Sep 21, 2025 9:19 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton struggled in Monday's 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie finished with eight carries for 24 yards and caught one pass for one yard. He ran hard, but the Raiders' defense shut down the run all night. His snap count decreased from 80% to 62%, and with Najee Harris becoming more involved, this could be a crucial week for the rookie. Although the Denver Broncos' defense just allowed 165 rushing yards to Jonathan Taylor, they still maintain a strong front. Even though the Chargers have relied more on the passing game early in the season, Hampton needs to make the most of this starting opportunity, or he might end up sharing more playing time in the future. Fantasy managers should consider Hampton a low-end RB2 for this week.
Sep 19, 2025 3:59 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton struggled in Monday's 20-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie finished with eight carries for 24 yards and one catch for one yard. He ran hard, but the Raiders bottled up the run all night. Najee Harris began to see more snaps when the Chargers were trying to ice the game, especially after a botched handoff between Hampton and quarterback Justin Herbert. Week 3 brings a Denver Broncos defense that's stingy in coverage but vulnerable up front. They allowed 165 rushing yards to Jonathan Taylor last week. The Chargers could lean on the run, giving Hampton another chance. But if he doesn't step up, Harris may eat into his workload moving forward.
Sep 16, 2025 1:57 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton rushed for 48 yards on 15 carries during Friday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He also caught two passes for an additional 13 yards through the air. While it was promising that the Chargers trusted Hampton to handle heavy volume, his inefficiency (3.2 yards per carry) was somewhat worrisome. Going forward, it's possible that the rookie will need to score touchdowns in order to be fantasy relevant. Nevertheless, he is the clear No. 1 running back in Los Angeles, so his value will increase as he starts to face easier defenses. For example, he gets a much more favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sep 6, 2025 12:59 AM EST
Rich Eisen said that Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told him in a pre-broadcast meeting that rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton will be the team's starter over Najee Harris in the Week 1 regular-season opener in Brazil on Friday night against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Eisen points out that it will be the first time in Harris' career in his debut with the Bolts that he will not start. Harris missed most of training camp and all of the preseason due to a superficial eye injury suffered in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, but he's been fully cleared and will back up Hampton. The 22-year-old rookie impressed this summer, but it's unclear what the workload split will be against KC. With lots of big-play ability, though, in a run-first Chargers offense, Hampton will be in play as an RB2 in fantasy against a tough Chiefs defense.
Sep 4, 2025 6:53 PM EST
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