Getty Images
Hampton most likely won’t be back after Week 12 bye
Over the past several weeks, there have been various rumors about the injury status of Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton. Finally, it seems as if we are getting more concrete news surrounding a potential return date.
Hampton has been eligible to return since Week 10, but as of now, there have been no signs of activation. His Week 5 injury happened the week after the Chargers had already lost Najee Harris for the season with a torn Achilles. The Chargers have relied upon third string back Kimani Vidal, who has performed well as of late, but there could be a different feel to the offense with Hampton reinstalled in the backfield. With the Chargers having a much-needed Week 12 bye, here’s the latest on whether or not Omarion Hampton will return the week after.
Progress Points Toward a Potential Week 13 Return
According to Daniel Popper of the Athletic, while there hasn’t been anything explicitly said about Hampton’s potential Week 13 return, he has heard word from Jim Harbaugh that Hampton could have his 21-day practice window opened after the Chargers’ bye. Another promising sign is Hampton’s steady progress, seen working out on a side field and walking without the aid of a boot.
All these signs of progress do not necessarily mean an immediate return for Hampton however. Once they designate a time to return, he will join the practice squad and then the team will be given three weeks to activate him back on the 53 man roster.
Chargers Balance Patience With Backfield Production
Kimani Vidal has carried load in Hampton’s absence
The Chargers aren’t necessarily feeling forced to rush Hampton back what with the play of Vidal. In all three of Vidal’s starts since replacing Hampton, he has had at least 95 yards rushing and a touchdown. Still, Hampton had also provided value when he was healthy, having 12 or more carries in his final three games before injury and five or more receptions as well. Perhaps his strongest outing came against the New York Giants, where he rushed for 128 yards on 12 carries and had five receptions for 37 yards. The Chargers are hoping that Hampton will maintain a similar level of momentum upon his return.
This comes at a crucial time for the Chargers, as they face a bye week in search of answers. They have already lost starting offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater for the season and are looking to get new acquisition Trevor Penning going. They also are monitoring breakout rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who himself picked up a quad bruise in Week 10. While he did not appear on the injury report for Week 11 and did play, the Chargers should remain focused on maintaining the health of their remaining talent. Even Justin Herbert and Kimani Vidal had their own injury worries on Sunday. With the bye week comes a time to regroup, but also to think about the rest of the season and who will be available when. Omarion Hampton is just one name out of many that Chargers fans will be monitoring in the coming weeks and months ahead as they push for a playoff spot.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a seasoned sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ with over 5 years of experience in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
More Heavy on Chargers
Loading more stories
