Who Should I Start? Omarion Hampton or Kaleb Johnson

Friday, November 7, 4:57 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) worked off to the side at Friday's practice, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Hampton appears to be making progress in his recovery after an extended period with no positive updates. The rookie running back was placed on Injury Reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that he doesn't expect Hampton's 21-day practice window to be opened until after the Chargers' Week 12 bye. Second-year back Kimani Vidal has played well in Hampton's absence and will continue to be a decent RB2/flex option until Hampton is activated from IR to take over the RB1 duties in a few weeks.

Friday, November 7, 7:59 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson was going as a late-round flier with upside in fantasy drafts this fall, but he was quickly sent to the waiver wire. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of Iowa has been a distant third on Pittsburgh's RB depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell this year, and he didn't help himself with a costly special-teams blunder early in the season. So far through his first five NFL games, Johnson has handled only 15 rushing attempts for 40 yards (2.7 yards per carry) while catching one of his two targets for nine yards. He played five offensive snaps in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, which was actually an improvement after not playing at all the previous two games. It will take an injury to Warren or Gainwell for Johnson to get more involved, which means he's only stash-worthy in fantasy football in dynasty/keeper leagues.