The Los Angeles Chargers are still searching for answers in their injury-riddled backfield. Promising rookie Omarion Hampton remains on injured reserve, and fantasy football managers must monitor an evolving depth chart as the team decides whether to ride the hot hand or look outside the building for help. What is the latest on Hampton’s status?
Omarion Hampton Injury Update
Hampton injured his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders when a defender stepped on the back of his foot on fourth-and-two, forcing him to exit in a walking boot. The Chargers placed him on injured reserve the following Wednesday, guaranteeing a minimum four-game absence.
Initial optimism quickly faded. Multiple reports now indicate the rookie “isn’t expected to be ready” when first eligible in Week 10 and will likely need additional time beyond the required absence. Because the Chargers are idle in Week 12, several beat writers believe a Week 13 comeback is the most realistic outcome.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh called Hampton a “special player” yet conceded the organization must let the ankle heal fully before risking a setback. Behind the scenes, general manager Joe Hortiz has been “canvassing the league” for backfield reinforcements ahead of the November 4 trade deadline, a pursuit confirmed by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
The prolonged recovery window meshes with Los Angeles’ injury-management history. Najee Harris (Achilles) is already out for the year, and the front office has shown no desire to rush any player back prematurely. With Hampton sidelined at least three more games, and perhaps until early December, fantasy managers should plan accordingly.
Hampton Fantasy Outlook
Hassan Haskins opened Week 6 as the presumed replacement, but Kimani Vidal seized control almost immediately. The 2024 sixth-round pick out-touched Haskins 22-7 in Miami, ripping off 124 rushing yards on 18 carries, adding three receptions, and scoring once for a 22.8-point fantasy eruption. He handled 70 percent of offensive snaps, while Haskins saw just 28 percent.
That breakout has complicated the Chargers’ trade calculus. Beat writers noted that Vidal’s performance “could change the organization’s approach” and convince Harbaugh to postpone or abandon external moves if the sophomore continues producing.
Still, reports from national outlets stress that Los Angeles remains active on the phones, with names such as Alvin Kamara or Breece Hall floated as potential targets, even if those stars are considered long shots.
MORE: Week 7 Fantasy Football Injury Tracker
For fantasy purposes, Vidal currently profiles as the back to roster. His combination of early-down burst and competent receiving work gave him a three-down role against Miami, and Harbaugh praised the young runner’s preparedness in Monday’s press conference. Yet the coach also reiterated the competition remains open, echoing earlier comments that workload would flow to “whoever has the hot hand”.
The volatility is real. If Vidal stumbles against a tougher Week 7 opponent, Haskins could reclaim the heavier share of touches, and any mid-season trade would immediately reset the hierarchy.
Fantasy managers should treat Vidal as an upside RB2/Flex while the momentum is his, recognizing that each week brings renewed risk. Haskins remains a hold in deeper leagues as the likely contingency option.
Hampton is should remain on rosters throughout his injury as he will reclaim lead duties once fully healthy. Just don’t expect that boost until December.
Kyle Soppe’s Hampton Outlook
Week 6 was the first with Omarion Hampston on injured reserve, but reports surfaced over the weekend that the expectation is for the rookie to require more than the minimum four-week stint on the shelf.
Kimani Vidal looked the part of a fantasy asset on Sunday, and even if that remains the case for the entirety of Hampton’s absence, it’s difficult to see a true change at the top of this depth chart when everyone is healthy.
Hampton is a priority IR stash: the role is there, and a Dallas matchup awaits in Week 16 for those with winning records that have an eye on the postseason.
