The Chargers are getting a major boost just in time for Monday Night Football.
After a seven-game absence, rookie running back Omarion Hampton is set to return to the field when Los Angeles faces the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. The team officially activated him off injured reserve on Saturday, and barring any last-minute setbacks, he’ll be suiting up under the lights.
Hampton hasn’t played since October 5, when he suffered an ankle injury against Washington. Before the injury, he was off to a strong start in his debut season, racking up 314 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry through five games. That kind of production - especially from a rookie - doesn’t just get noticed, it changes how defenses prepare.
Now, the big question: what kind of workload will he see in his first game back?
There’s no official snap count or pitch count announced, but history tells us to expect a gradual ramp-up. Running backs coming off lower-body injuries often need time to regain their burst and confidence. We’ve seen guys like Bucky Irving and Tyjae Spears ease their way back in, while others like Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley have struggled to find rhythm while playing through lingering issues.
Still, the Chargers have every reason to be optimistic. Not only is Hampton back, but he’s walking into a matchup that’s tailor-made for a statement return.
Philadelphia’s run defense has been one of the few soft spots on an otherwise talented roster. They rank in the bottom 10 in both rushing yards allowed and opponent yards per carry - not what you want heading into a game against a fresh-legged, downhill runner like Hampton.
And the Eagles might be shorthanded up front. Defensive tackle Jordan Davis is listed as doubtful, and All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun was limited in practice on Friday. If either of them misses the game - or even plays at less than 100% - it opens the door even wider for the Chargers to lean on the ground game.
Of course, Hampton’s return also reshuffles the depth chart. Kimani Vidal, who’s been a revelation in his absence, will likely see his role reduced.
Vidal has averaged 75 rushing yards per game on 4.5 yards per carry since stepping in, proving he can handle the load when called upon. But with Hampton back, the Chargers will likely return to the original plan - and that means Vidal goes from feature back to change-of-pace option.
Still, that’s a good problem for L.A. to have.
With Hampton returning and Vidal showing he can carry the rock effectively, the Chargers suddenly have a one-two punch in the backfield heading into the final stretch of the season. And against a vulnerable Eagles front, that combo could be exactly what they need to control the clock and keep things balanced on offense.
Bottom line: Omarion Hampton is back. And if he looks anything like the player we saw in September, he could be a difference-maker in a game with major playoff implications.