Chargers Rookie RB Omarion Hampton Lands on IR: What His Ankle Injury Means for the Team

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a tough situation. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, according to coach Jim Harbaugh. This setback means he will be sidelined for at least the next four games and can only return in Week 10 when they play against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hampton got hurt during the Chargers’ 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. He stumbled over a defender’s foot while making a play and ended up limping out of the game. Harbaugh called it “an unfortunate occurrence” but didn’t share specifics about the injury.

Before this injury, Hampton was starting to shine. The Chargers picked him as the 22nd overall draft pick, and he showed promise by rushing for a career-high 128 yards in a previous game against the Giants. Over a span of three weeks, Hampton also caught 17 passes for 122 yards, proving he was becoming an essential player, especially after fellow running back Najee Harris was ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles.

With both Hampton and Harris now on IR, the Chargers are left with Hassan Haskins as their main running back. Haskins has over 195 career rushing yards but has struggled to break through with a 3.0 yards-per-carry average. They also have two practice squad players, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson, waiting for their chance. Vidal, drafted in the 2024 sixth round, has stepped up recently but has just 18 rushing yards in his limited play.

The Chargers have had a rough time with injuries this season. Both starting tackles are unavailable—Rashawn Slater is out for the year, and Joe Alt missed the game against the Commanders due to a high ankle sprain. Right guard Mekhi Becton is also dealing with injuries and played less than half the game’s snaps recently.

Adding to their challenges, top edge rusher Khalil Mack has not played since Week 2 due to an elbow injury and is on IR as well.

Harbaugh remains optimistic, encouraging the team to rise to the occasion. He expressed, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” emphasizing the opportunities that arise in difficult times.

In a recent survey by ESPN, 62% of fans believe that injuries are a fundamental issue impacting the Chargers’ performance this season. This highlights a growing concern among supporters and analysts alike about the team’s ability to maintain consistency in the face of adversity.

As the Chargers navigate this tough period, they will need to rely on backup players stepping up and a stronger focus on strategy. It’s a pivotal moment for the organization, and many eyes will be on how they adapt and respond in the coming weeks.



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Los Angeles Chargers, NFL