The Chargers’ backup running back job is one of the more interesting camp battles on the roster, and it comes down to a simple question: does Keaton Mitchell’s burst give him a real shot to jump Kimani Vidal?
With Omarion Hampton already locked in as the starter, the fight behind him is where things get tricky. Mitchell arrived as a free-agent addition with a very clear calling card.
He’s one of the fastest backs in the league, and the Chargers signed him knowing he can flip a game with one touch. During his time with the Ravens, he averaged over six yards per carry in his career, and after coming back from a torn ACL, he reminded everyone in 2025 that the speed is still there.
That kind of juice matters. In an offense designed by Mike McDaniel, a player like Mitchell can be a problem for defenses because he forces them to account for every crease, every edge and every screen. He gives the Chargers a home-run threat they didn’t really have last season.
But the depth chart isn’t built on speed alone.
Vidal has already shown he can handle real work. When injuries hit last season, he stepped in and produced 643 rushing yards, three 100-yard games and enough steady play to show he can manage early-down carries. He also contributed as a receiver and in pass protection, which matters just as much when coaches are deciding who gets the next series.
That’s why Vidal has the edge entering training camp.
If Hampton were to miss time, the Chargers would want the back who can take 15 to 20 touches and keep the offense on schedule. Right now, that sounds more like Vidal. He’s the more complete option for a heavier workload, and he’s already proven he can run between the tackles and handle the dirty work in protection.
Mitchell still has a path to a role, though. The Chargers should have plenty of ways to use him every week, whether that’s on outside runs, screens or misdirection plays designed to put his speed in space. And there will probably be games where he pops a long run and ends up with more yards than Vidal.
So yes, this battle can tighten fast. If Mitchell shows he can do more than just come in as a specialty weapon and stays healthy, the conversation changes. For now, though, Vidal has done enough to open camp as the RB2 until somebody proves otherwise.
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