Chargers Receive Promising News on Omarion Hampton’s Return Ahead of Week 14

The Los Angeles Chargers appear to be on the verge of getting a major offensive weapon back.

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, rookie running back Omarion Hampton is now considered “likely” to return in Week 14.  

This comes just in time for their Monday Night Football showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Hampton has missed the last seven games with an ankle fracture suffered in Week 5.

Zenitz reported that “it’s currently viewed as likely that Chargers starting running back Omarion Hampton… will be able to return to action and play next Monday,” 

This is the most optimistic update yet on the first-round pick’s status. 

Hampton himself added fuel to the momentum, telling reporters he feels “amazing” being back on the practice field. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised the progress, saying it was a “really beneficial” ramp-up week and that the rookie is “on track.” 

Hampton’s Return and What It Means for the Chargers

Hampton hasn’t suited up since Week 5. 

His ankle fracture forced him to go on injured reserve and paused what was shaping into one of the league’s best rookie campaigns.

Through five games, the No. 22 overall pick entered that game leading all rookies with 380 scrimmage yards. 

He had rushed 66 times for 314 yards and two touchdowns while catching 20 passes for 136 yards. 

His blend of power and pass-game versatility quickly made him the focal point of the Chargers backfield. 

In Hampton’s absence, sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal stepped in seamlessly, rushing for 525 yards and three touchdowns over the last seven games. 

That includes three games with over 115 rushing yards. 

While the Chargers have survived, getting Hampton back gives Harbaugh the type of two-headed rushing structure he prefers. 

Especially with the offense still waiting to see if Justin Herbert can return from Monday’s surgery, Hampton’s potential return comes at a great time. 

Hampton’s return would add another dimension to a Chargers offense preparing to face the reigning Super Bowl champions. 

Even if his workload isn’t fully restored in Week 14, just the threat of Hampton in the rotation forces defensive adjustments and elevates the entire offense. 

Hampton’s Fantasy Football Outlook

Before the injury, Hampton ranked as RB10 overall through the first five weeks. 

His expected return immediately puts him back on the fantasy radar, though managers should cautiously manage expectations. 

The Chargers may ease him in after seven weeks off, leaning on Vidal to keep the workload manageable. 

Hampton told reporters, “I hope it’s full-go,” but precedent suggests a potential pitch count. 

We’ve seen several returning backs held to limited snaps in their first week back, though Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving provided a recent counterexample. 

He turned his expected “reduced workload” into 19 touches for 81 yards and a touchdown in Week 13. 

Because of the uncertainty, Hampton projects as a high-upside flex option rather than the borderline RB1 he was earlier in the season in Week 14. 

However, after a few games back, his talent and explosiveness can allow him to get back to that RB1 range heading into the fantasy football playoffs.

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