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The Los Angeles Chargers suffered another major setback in the backfield after rookie running back Omarion Hampton sustained an ankle injury in Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that the team will place the first-round pick on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.
Rookie’s Breakout Cut Short
Hampton went down late in the third quarter on a fourth-and-2 play after tripping over Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu. He left the field limping and exited the stadium wearing a walking boot on his left foot. The rookie had been carving out a key role since Najee Harris’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3.
Before exiting, Hampton logged 12 carries for 44 yards and added six receptions for 26 yards. He entered Week 5 leading all rookies with 380 scrimmage yards, a total surpassed only this weekend by Buccaneers wideout Emeka Egbuka.
The No. 22 overall pick from North Carolina recorded his first 100-yard rushing game in Week 4 against the Giants, when he posted 128 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Since taking over lead-back duties, Hampton has averaged 4.8 yards per carry and ranks third in the NFL in yards from scrimmage since Week 3, trailing only Puka Nacua and Christian McCaffrey.
Backfield Depth Tested Again
With Hampton joining Harris on IR, the Chargers’ running back depth now relies on Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, while rookie Amar Johnson continues to practice with the team. Haskins has five carries for 13 yards this season, and Vidal has rushed four times for 18 yards after the team elevated him the past two weeks.
Harbaugh indicated the team will “look at all options,” signaling potential moves on the waiver wire, free agency, or trade market to bolster the unit. The Chargers’ offensive line continues to battle injuries, as Joe Alt nurses a high ankle sprain and Rashawn Slater recovers from a patellar tendon rupture.
A Brutal Run of Injuries
The Chargers’ injury list continues to grow. Beyond Hampton and Harris, key players Khalil Mack (elbow) and Slater are already on IR. However, there’s a glimmer of good news: linebacker Denzel Perryman has been designated to return to practice, opening his 21-day activation window after missing time with an ankle injury.
What’s next
Hampton will miss games against Miami, Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Tennessee, making him eligible to return in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers if his recovery progresses as hoped. Until then, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman must piece together a rushing attack behind quarterback Justin Herbert — a tough task for a Chargers team already fighting through attrition and adversity.
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