The Los Angeles Chargers may have picked up a much-needed win in Week 16, but it came with a tough blow to their backfield. Kimani Vidal, one of the team’s brightest surprises this season, left the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half with a neck injury and did not return.
Vidal went down after a short run and needed attention from the medical staff before being helped off the field. The Chargers quickly listed him as questionable to return, but he remained sidelined for the rest of the game. It was a quiet outing for the rookie before the injury - just five carries for 11 yards, with his longest run going for six.
That opened the door for Omarion Hampton, and the rookie responded with his most productive performance since returning from injury. Hampton carried the ball 16 times for 85 yards and punched in a touchdown.
He also added a 10-yard reception on one of his two targets. The 16 carries marked his second-highest workload of the season and the most since his Week 14 return.
After being eased back into action following a stint on injured reserve, Hampton is starting to look like the player the Chargers envisioned when they spent a first-round pick on him.
Even with Hampton back in the fold, Vidal had carved out a meaningful role in the offense. Over the two games leading into Week 16, he was averaging 14 touches per game - a sign of how much the coaching staff trusted him to contribute even with a crowded backfield. His versatility and vision had become key components of the Chargers’ ground game.
With Vidal sidelined, the Chargers turned to Hassan Haskins to spell Hampton. Haskins finished with four carries for 14 yards, serving as a change-of-pace option late in the game.
No further update was provided on Vidal’s condition before the final whistle. While the injury could be serious, the Chargers may have simply opted to play it safe in a game they controlled en route to a 34-17 win.
For now, all eyes will be on Vidal’s status moving forward. If he misses time, Hampton looks ready to shoulder a heavier load - but there's no doubt the Chargers are hoping their breakout rookie can make a quick and full recovery.