After a seven-game absence, the Los Angeles Chargers are finally on the verge of getting rookie running back Omarion Hampton back in the lineup-and the timing couldn’t be better.
With quarterback Justin Herbert nursing a fractured hand, the Chargers are in need of a spark, and Hampton’s return could be just what the offense needs heading into Monday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. After returning to practice last week, Hampton is expected to suit up for the first time since Week 5, when he went down during a loss to the Washington Commanders on October 5.
This isn’t just a feel-good return story-it’s a potentially crucial development for a Chargers team that’s had to reshape its offense on the fly. Without Herbert at full strength, the run game becomes even more important, and Hampton offers a physical, downhill presence that can help keep the offense balanced and take some pressure off the passing game.
Of course, it won’t be an easy reintroduction. The Eagles come into Week 14 ranked among the stingiest defenses in the league, tied for ninth in fewest points allowed.
But there’s a silver lining for the Chargers: Philadelphia will be without standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a key disruptor in the middle of their front. That absence could open up some running lanes and give Hampton a little more room to work in his return.
While Hampton has been sidelined, Kimani Vidal has stepped up in a big way. The backup running back has quietly become a steady force in the Chargers' backfield, racking up 121 carries for 543 yards-good for an impressive 4.5 yards per attempt-and three touchdowns. He’s shown vision, patience, and the ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles, giving the Chargers a reliable option while Hampton recovered.
Now, with Hampton back in the mix, the Chargers could have a legitimate one-two punch in the backfield. That kind of depth is especially valuable at this point in the season, when teams are grinding through injuries and the margin for error gets smaller every week.
All eyes will be on how Hampton looks in his return-whether he’s fully up to game speed, how many snaps he sees, and how the Chargers split the workload between him and Vidal. But one thing’s clear: getting Hampton back gives LA a much-needed boost as they try to stay afloat in a tight AFC playoff race.