The Los Angeles Chargers have found their rhythm midway through the season, and last week’s dominant win over the Minnesota Vikings only reinforced that. But as the offense continues to settle in, one important piece of the puzzle is still missing — rookie running back Omarion Hampton.
Hampton has been sidelined since early October with an ankle injury that sent him to Injured Reserve after Week 5. The good news? His return could be right around the corner.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
Harbaugh Preaches Patience as Hampton Heals
Head coach Jim Harbaugh offered a small but encouraging update this week when asked about his rookie running back’s progress. “To me, it looks like he’s getting better every day,” Harbaugh said, via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “We know he won’t be there this week though per league rules.”
Hampton will be eligible to return from IR after Sunday’s game against the Titans, but Harbaugh stopped short of setting any expectations. “I’d rather not speculate any further,” he added.
It’s a familiar stance for Harbaugh, who has consistently played injury situations close to the vest. Still, the tone of his comments suggests Hampton’s recovery is trending in the right direction.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Before going down in Week 5, Hampton had started to look like the explosive, every-down back Los Angeles envisioned when they drafted him in the first round. After a slow start, the North Carolina product hit his stride once Najee Harris went down, piling up 242 rushing yards over a two-and-a-half-game stretch while averaging nearly 5.6 yards per carry.
In five appearances, Hampton tallied 314 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, along with 122 receiving yards on 17 catches — production that underscored both his power between the tackles and his soft hands as a receiver. His physicality and vision fit perfectly in Jesse Minter’s balanced offensive approach, giving the Chargers an identity on the ground they’ve lacked for years.
What Comes Next
Hampton’s window to return opens next week, and while the Chargers will likely be cautious, his comeback could arrive just in time for their playoff push. With the offense showing flashes of balance and confidence, a healthy Hampton could be the missing spark that takes Los Angeles from promising to dangerous in the second half of the season.
