Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton was placed on injured reserve Monday after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s loss to Washington. He will miss at least four games.
Hampton went down late in the third quarter of the Commanders’ game. A pass rusher stepped on the back of his foot during a fourth-down play. He did not return to the contest. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the move Monday. The first-round pick had carried the ball 12 times for 44 yards before leaving. He also caught six passes for 26 yards. The injury occurred with 1:51 remaining in the third quarter. Hampton had been the team’s primary ball carrier since veteran Najee Harris tore his Achilles tendon in Week 3 against Denver. Harris will miss the entire season.
NFL rules require players on injured reserve to sit out a minimum of four games. Hampton is eligible to return in Week 10 when the Chargers host Pittsburgh on November 9. He will miss road games at Miami and home contests against Indianapolis and Minnesota. The Chargers lost to Washington 27-10 in Week 5. They fell to 3-2 on the season.
Los Angeles selected Hampton with the 22nd overall pick in April. He played at North Carolina. The running back rushed for over 1,500 yards in each of his final two college seasons. Herbert threw for 166 yards and one touchdown in the loss to Washington. The offense struggled without Hampton’s presence in the second half.
What Are The Odds?
After starting the season strong, the LA Chargers have dropped their last two games, along with losing their two starting running backs. The injury to Hampton doesn’t sound serious, but it will likely cause them pain over the next four weeks. The Chargers are still favorites to win the AFC West, but the odds have shifted slightly from +120 to +160. This is great news for those in LA looking to place a bet on your favorite sports team. If you’re thinking about signing up for a sportsbook, make sure you research what sites are available in the area. Newer companies are launching in 2025, and many offer some excellent bonuses. I heard Casinofy is a good site if you also like online casinos.
Four-Week Stretch
Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are the remaining backs on the active roster. Neither has extensive NFL experience. Haskins played collegiately at Michigan under Harbaugh. Vidal was a sixth-round pick in 2024 from Troy. The two combined for 31 yards on nine carries after Hampton left Sunday’s game. Haskins received six touches while Vidal had five.
Haskins and Vidal combined for just 368 career rushing yards entering this season. General manager Joe Hortiz could explore adding a veteran back to the roster. The Chargers travel to Miami this Sunday for a Week 6 matchup. The kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The team will likely lean more heavily on quarterback Justin Herbert and the passing game.
- Week 6: @ Miami Dolphins
- Week 7: Indianapolis Colts
- Week 8: Minnesota Vikings
- Week 9: Tennessee Titans
Harbaugh declined to provide a specific timeline for Hampton’s return beyond the four-game minimum. The coaching staff will evaluate his progress over the coming weeks.
