Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Omarion Hampton

Wednesday, September 24, 6:15 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they placed running back Najee Harris (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, according to Fernando Ramirez of the Sporting Tribune. Harris' season is over after he tore his Achilles in the Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It's a disappointing end to his first year with the Bolts after signing with them in free agency in the offseason. The 27-year-old will end his streak of four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin his career. In his three games this year, Harris carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards and no touchdowns, adding three receptions for 25 yards through the air. The Chargers will be forced to lean more on rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton as their lead back going forward, making him a must-start each week. Hassan Haskins will be elevated to the RB2 role, with Kimani Vidal the next man up at No. 2 in the backfield.

Monday, November 3, 5:34 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that he doesn't think the team will open the 21-day practice window for rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) until after their Week 12 bye, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The 22-year-old rookie is eligible to return to practice this week as the club prepares to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, but Hampton will not be on the practice field and isn't going to be eligible to return to action until Week 13 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 30. Fantasy managers must continue to be patient and keep Hampton stashed, as he should take over RB1 duties in the backfield again when he's healthy. In the meantime, Kimani Vidal will continue to see most of the backfield touches for the Bolts, making him at least an RB3/flex option until Hampton is cleared to return from Injured Reserve.