The Los Angeles Chargersâ running back room continues to get thinner as injuries pile up.
Rookie first rounder Omarion Hampton wasnât on the field for the end of Sundayâs 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders after hurting his ankle.
As the Chargers turn their attention to Week 6, early signs point to Hampton being unavailable. NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport said on Good Morning Football that Hampton is slated to undergo tests Monday on his ankle and âmay miss some time.â
What is Omarion Hampton’s Injury?
The 22nd overall pick out of North Carolina, Hampton had taken over as the Chargersâ featured running back following Najee Harrisâ season-ending Achilles tear. Coming off his first 100-yard rushing day in a Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, Hampton was on his way to another sizable performance before exiting due to injury. He had 44 yards rushing on 12 carries to go with six catches for 26 catches.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that Hampton was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot, indicating his injury could potentially be serious.
The timing is unfortunate, as Hamptonâs production had really begun to pick up in recent weeks. He scored his first NFL touchdown in a Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos, rushing for 70 yards on 19 carries to go with six catches for 59 yards. The next week against the Giants, Hampton ran for 128 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries while adding five catches for 37 yards.
Hamptonâs 314 rushing yards rank 15th in the NFL.
How Might the Chargers Replace Omarion Hampton?
Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal split reps with Hampton out, though both offer nowhere near the same level of upside. Quarterback Justin Herbert was actually the Chargersâ leading rusher in Week 5, gaining 60 yards on four carries.
The Chargers finished with 155 yards on the ground and rank 11th in total offense, averaging 352.2 yards per game. But injuries are making it difficult for Los Angeles to sustain its solid production.
The Chargers lost left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season in August with a torn patellar tendon. Joe Alt â who shifted from right tackle to replace Slater â is now also out because of a high-ankle sprain.
Herbert was sacked four times Sunday and has been sacked 16 times this season, tied for third-most among quarterbacks behind Cam Ward (19) and Drake Maye (17).
The Chargers (3-2) visit the Miami Dolphins in Week 6.
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