The Chargers are getting some much-needed reinforcements-and not a moment too soon.
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton is on track to return Monday night when Los Angeles hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. And with Justin Herbert still recovering from hand surgery, Hampton’s return could be more than just a morale boost-it might be the jolt this offense needs to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race.
Let’s be clear: the road ahead for the Chargers is steep. They’re banged up, missing both starting tackles, and their franchise quarterback is playing through a fractured left hand.
What once looked like a team poised to contend in the AFC has been dragged into week-to-week survival mode. The margin for error is razor thin, and every playmaker counts.
Enter Hampton.
The rookie out of North Carolina had been carving out a meaningful role before going down with an ankle injury. He averaged a strong 4.8 yards per carry and added 20 catches for 136 yards through the air-numbers that don’t just look good on paper, but speak to his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His combination of power, vision, and burst made him one of the most intriguing young backs in the league before the injury, and it’s exactly why Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz viewed him as a foundational piece in the draft.
Kimani Vidal has held things down in Hampton’s absence, and he’s been solid. But Hampton brings a different gear.
Vidal’s a dependable runner, but Hampton’s versatility-especially in the passing game-adds a layer this offense has been missing. That’s critical for a Chargers team dealing with a patchwork offensive line and a quarterback who can’t afford to take unnecessary hits.
Don’t be surprised if offensive coordinator Greg Roman leans into the screen game and short-yardage throws to get Hampton involved early and often. It’s a smart way to protect Herbert while still keeping the offense moving.
The Chargers have been cautious with Hampton’s recovery, and that’s no accident. He’s missed the last seven games, and given the rash of re-injuries we’ve seen across the league this season-including Joe Alt’s ankle setback-it’s clear the team didn’t want to take any chances. Harbaugh has made it a point to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains, and when it comes to a player they see as a long-term building block, it’s hard to argue with that approach.
Now, with Hampton trending toward a return, the Chargers are getting a key piece of their offensive puzzle back at the most critical point in the season. He won’t fix the offensive line.
He won’t heal Herbert’s hand. But what he can do is help stabilize an offense that’s been searching for answers.
He can give Herbert a safety valve in the passing game. He can keep defenses honest.
And if he looks anything like the player we saw early in the season, he can be the spark this team desperately needs.
The Chargers are hanging on in the playoff race, and with a brutal stretch of games ahead, every weapon matters. Hampton’s return doesn’t guarantee wins-but it gives them a fighting chance. And right now, that’s exactly what this team needs.