The hits keep coming for the Chargers, who suffered another when rookie running back Omarion Hampton was forced from the second half of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium because of an ankle injury. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game.
Hampton will be placed on injured reserve, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said during Monday’s press conference, and will be sidelined for at least the next four games, eligible to return to the active roster for the Chargers’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 9 at SoFi Stadium.
Hampton’s injury coupled with Najee Harris’ season-ending Achilles tendon injury suffered on Sept. 21, leaves a void at running back.
As of Monday, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal were the top options to replace Hampton going into Sunday’s road game against the Miami Dolphins. Hampton, a first-round draft pick from the University of North Carolina in April, had a team-leading 314 yards rushing in five games.
“He has been getting into a really good rhythm,” Harbaugh said. “Special player.”
Hampton joins a select group of Chargers already on injured reserve, including outside linebacker Khalil Mack and linebacker Denzel Perryman. In addition to losing Harris for the rest of the season, the Chargers also are without left tackle Rashawn Slater due to a season-ending knee injury.
What’s more, the Chargers played Sunday without Joe Alt, Slater’s replacement at left tackle, because of a sprained ankle. Right tackle Trey Pipkins III injured his knee during Sunday’s game, but later returned to the field. Right guard Mekhi Becton sustained a hand injury that forced him from the game.
Updates on Alt, Pipkins and Becton will be available later in the week.