Omarion Hampton Reveals Ankle Fracture and Return to Action
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has revealed that he has been dealing with a fracture in his left ankle, an injury suffered in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. The previously undisclosed injury led Hampton to the injured reserve list, keeping him off the fields since then. After returning to training on Tuesday, Hampton expressed feeling “incredible” to be back and stated his hope to play on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, although he left the decision in the hands of the doctors.The Chargers selected Hampton with the number 22 pick in April, hoping that he and veteran running back Najee Harris would form the ground offense that coach Jim Harbaugh had envisioned. Hampton got off to a slow start to the season, but quickly became one of the Chargers’ most important players after Harris suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the first half against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. With Harris out, L.A. relied heavily on Hampton, who stood out with 129 yards from the line of scrimmage and his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 victory. Hampton was a consistent and forceful force in the running game and a sure receiver in the passing game for Herbert, catching 17 passes between Weeks 3 and 5, tied for second on the team with wide receiver Keenan Allen. Hampton was also third in the NFL in yards from the line of scrimmage (364) during that period.It hurt a little. Being here without being able to help my team frustrated me. So it will be good to be able to help my team a little more.
Omarion Hampton
Without Hampton, the Chargers turned to running back Kimani Vidal. Vidal, selected in the sixth round last year, was released before the Chargers’ roster cuts to 53 players, but returned to the practice squad and was signed to the active roster after injuries to Hampton and Harris. Vidal, who only had 43 carries for 155 yards last season, has emerged as a “number 1 runner”, according to Harbaugh. Vidal has had two games with more than 100 yards on the ground and has accumulated 399 rushing yards since Week 6, which puts him in 17th place in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said that Vidal has performed well and that he feels good about both running backs going forward. Roman said he does not anticipate Vidal having a game like the one against Denver in Week 3, where he played 63 plays.I feel like I was getting a little comfortable. I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet.
Omarion Hampton
The Chargers have until Saturday to activate Hampton from the injured reserve list.I’m sure they’ll see some kind of one-two combination there. How it breaks down, we’ll see.
Greg Roman
