The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly getting a significant boost to their offense in Week 14. With Los Angeles attempting to keep up with the 10-2 Denver Broncos in the AFC West, the Chargers need a win on “Monday Night Football” against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Moreover, Justin Herbert underwent surgery on his fractured left hand on December 1, and he will have his rookie running back behind him. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on December 6, citing sources, that Omarion Hampton is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Los Angeles picked Hampton at No. 22 in April, aiming for him to pair with Najee Harris and strengthen the rushing attack head coach Jim Harbaugh had planned.
Hampton started the season slowly but became a central figure after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the first half against the Broncos in Week 3.
With Harris sidelined, Hampton took charge, racking up a team-high 129 yards from scrimmage and scoring his first NFL touchdown in Los Angeles’ 23-20 win. He returned to practice before Week 13, but the Chargers opted not to activate him for the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“If it’s up to me; I’ll always play,” Hampton said (h/t Kris Rhim of ESPN). “But I got to wait for the doc. Whatever they say goes.”
Chargers Are Hopeful on Justin Herbert’s Injury Status
While the Chargers will be happy to have Hampton back, their main focus will be whether Herbert will be good to go against Philadelphia. Herbert is listed as questionable for Week 14, and if he cannot go, then Los Angeles could be counting on their young running back right out of the gate.
“It’s not ideal,” Herbert said on December 3 about potentially playing without practicing (h/t ESPN). “It’s definitely difficult in this league, but if that’s the case and if Coach feels like I’ll get the best shot for the team, then I trust his decision.”
Herbert went down in the first quarter on November 30 after Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn collided with him during a scramble, with Chinn’s helmet seemingly striking Herbert’s non-throwing hand.
The Chargers are hopeful that Herbert will be ready for the game against the Eagles, but they are also preparing Trey Lance to start if necessary. Even with Herbert active, Lance could take over in certain situations, such as goal-line or short-yardage plays, if Herbert’s grip remains a concern.
Chargers Could Lean on Two-Running-Back Attack
Even if Herbert can go, the Chargers will not only lean on Hampton upon his reported return, but also Kimani Vidal. With the injuries to Hampton and Harris, Vidal has made the most as the No. 1 guy.
Vidal has surpassed 100 rushing yards in three games this season, marking the most by a Chargers player in a single season since Melvin Gordon in 2018.
“It’s amazing just to see him go out there and just produce the way he does,” Hampton said about Vidal. “… Me and him gonna be special.”
At 8-4, the Chargers need a win against the Eagles, since the Broncos will face the 2-10 Raiders, whom they should be able to beat.
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