In Week 8, the Los Angeles Chargers will navigate their third-straight game without the services of rookie running back Omarion Hampton.
Hampton, who was really coming on strong before his injury, has been ruled out for the Thursday night contest against the Minnesota Vikings thanks to his placement on injured reserve weeks back.
Hampton suffered an ankle injury in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders and was placed on IR prior to the Week 6 game.
So, when can the Chargers expect Hampton back? Here’s what we know.
When is Omarion Hampton coming back from IR?
Thanks to the four-game minimum stay for players on injured reserve, Hampton is going to have to miss at least one more game after Week 8. So, that means he’ll be out in Week 9 and is first eligible to return from injured reserve for the Week 10 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The first step will be designating Hampton to return from injured reserve, which would open his 21-day practice window and be a clear sign he’s close. Then, the Chargers will have to activate him to the 53-man roster in order for him to play.
Unfortunately, it isn’t clear if Hampton will be back when first eligible. Information on his status has been scarce, so we can’t say for sure he’ll be on the field in Week 10.
Who is Omarion Hampton’s handcuff?
Chargers 2024 sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal has been the Chargers’ No. 1 running back in Hampton’s absence, and he’s had mixed results.
Vidal went off in Week 6 to the tune of 124 rushing yards, 14 receiving yards and one touchdown, but then he came crashing back down to earth in Week 7 after totaling just nine carries for 20 yards and four catches for 15 yards.
Vidal will once again lead the Chargers’ backfield in Week 8, but his backfield mate, Hassan Haskins, has been ruled out due to injury. That leaves Nyheim Hines, Amar Johnson, Trayveon Williams and Jaret Patterson as possible backup options.
Of course, Najee Harris is not an option after he was lost for the season due to a torn Achilles’ tendon.
Will the Chargers trade for a running back?
All signs point to yes.
While the Chargers have not directly said so, FOX Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano reports that, based on what he heard from one source, the Chargers are “desperate” to add another running back.
That’s understandable, as not only do they need a temporary replacement for Hampton, they could also use insurance for him after he gets back.
How big or how small the Chargers go remains to be seen, but we would guess it’ll be a smaller move since Hampton could be back in a few weeks. If Hampton had a season-ending injury, we would think differently, but there’s no indication that Hampton’s injury is that serious.
A big move, for example, would be a trade for New York Jets running back Breece Hall. If the Chargers go with a lesser move, keep an eye on Cleveland Browns rusher Jerome Ford.
Either way, the Chargers have to do something to bolster their running backs room. We’d be content with Hall or Ford, although there’s no question Hall would be the more exciting acquisition.
