The Chargers may be getting a major boost at just the right time. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who’s been sidelined for the last seven weeks with an ankle injury, is trending toward a return for next week’s Monday night showdown against the Eagles, according to reports.
That’s big news for a team sitting at 8-4 and firmly in the playoff mix. Hampton, the first-round pick out of North Carolina, had quickly carved out a lead role in the backfield after Najee Harris went down with a season-ending Achilles injury. And just as Hampton was starting to find his rhythm, the ankle injury in Week 5 against Washington brought his momentum to a halt.
Before going down, Hampton gave fans a glimpse of the kind of dynamic threat he could be. His Week 4 performance against the Giants was a statement - 128 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries.
That’s 10.67 yards per carry. Not a typo.
That kind of burst and efficiency doesn’t come around often, especially from a rookie still adjusting to the speed of the pro game.
Now, with the postseason picture coming into focus, the timing of Hampton’s return couldn’t be better. The Chargers have managed to stay afloat thanks in part to Kimani Vidal, who’s done more than just hold the fort.
The rookie out of Troy has looked sharp in relief, most recently racking up 126 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. He’s been reliable, tough between the tackles, and has shown he can handle a starter’s workload.
But Hampton brings a different gear. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball - the kind of player who can shift the momentum of a game with one cut and one burst through the second level. That’s the kind of weapon that can elevate an already solid offense into something special down the stretch.
Expect the Chargers to be smart about easing Hampton back into the rotation. After all, coming off an ankle injury - especially one that cost him nearly two months - there’s no need to throw him into 25-carry territory right away. Vidal’s recent play gives the coaching staff the luxury of managing Hampton’s reps while still keeping the run game productive.
Still, there’s no denying what Hampton brings to the table. If he’s anywhere near full strength, he has the potential to give this Chargers offense the spark it needs heading into the most important part of the season. With playoff seeding on the line and a tough slate ahead, a healthy Hampton could be the X-factor that helps push Los Angeles from contender to legitimate threat in the AFC.