The Los Angeles Chargers could be getting a key piece of their offense back just in time for a crucial Monday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who hasn’t seen the field since Week 5 due to an ankle injury, is trending toward a return in Week 14 - and that could be a game-changer for a Chargers team still trying to find consistency down the stretch.
There’s growing optimism inside the building that Hampton could be cleared in time for Monday night. While nothing is set in stone yet, the signs are pointing in a positive direction.
The Chargers have taken a cautious approach with their first-round pick, and rightfully so. Hampton was still in a walking boot as recently as Week 8, and although he was eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 9, the team opted to give him more time to fully heal.
They’re not about to risk re-aggravating an injury to a player they clearly view as a long-term offensive cornerstone.
And make no mistake - Hampton was making a strong case for that role before the injury. Through five games, he racked up 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries, showing a mix of power and burst that made him a tough assignment for opposing defenses.
He also chipped in 20 receptions for 136 yards, proving he can be a reliable option in the passing game as well. That kind of dual-threat ability is exactly what the Chargers envisioned when they spent a first-round pick on him.
If he’s ready to go, Hampton immediately elevates the ceiling of this offense. His return would give quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon to lean on, and it would force defenses to respect the run game in a way they haven’t had to in recent weeks.
That said, Kimani Vidal deserves a ton of credit for holding it down in Hampton’s absence. The rookie stepped up in a big way, most recently rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ Week 13 win over the Raiders. He’s shown he belongs in the league - and he’s earned a role moving forward, even when Hampton is back in the lineup.
But make no mistake: once Hampton is fully up to speed, this backfield is his. That’s the investment the Chargers made, and that’s the potential he’s already flashed. Monday night could mark the beginning of his second act this season - and if he picks up where he left off, the Chargers’ offense might finally start to look like the balanced, explosive unit they’ve been building toward all year.