Chargers Get Major Gameday News on Omarion Hampton Ahead of Eagles Matchup

After nearly two months on injured reserve, Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is expected to play tonight on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

This news was noted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and confirmed by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. 

Schefter first reported Hampton was “expected to play,” while Schultz added that the Chargers plan to activate the first-round pick ahead of kickoff. 

Hampton, who fractured his left ankle in Week 5, returned to practice last week and built momentum over the past several days. 

He even shedded his yellow non-contact jersey on Friday which means he should be ready to go for MNF. 

“If it’s up to me, I’ll always play,” Hampton said. “But I got to wait for the doc. Whatever they say goes.” 

Before the injury, Hampton had emerged as one of Los Angeles’ most important offensive pieces.

He had 450 total yards and 3 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry before the injury. 

 “I feel like I was getting a little comfortable,” Hampton said.

Adding that he still hasn’t “reached his full potential yet.” 

The return of Hampton could not have come at a better time as the Chargers find themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff race. 

Hampton Injury Update: Rookie Trending Toward First Action Since Week 5

Hampton has been sidelined since suffering a left ankle fracture in early October, a setback that halted what looked like to be a breakout rookie season. 

After Najee Harris’ season-ending Achilles injury, Hampton became the clear starter and carried a very heavy workload before his injury. 

From Weeks 3-5, Hampton ranked third in the NFL in scrimmage yards with 364 and caught 17 passes. 

This week, signs of progress piled up. 

Hampton participated in every practice session, progressed from non-contact to full pads, and was officially listed as questionable but trending upward.

Jim Harbaugh’s staff chose to sit him against the Raiders last week, giving the rookie an extra week to recover fully.

But the expectation now is that Hampton suits up tonight against the reigning Super Bowl champions. 

How Hampton Fits Into Tonight’s Matchup vs. Eagles

As exciting as Hampton’s return may be, he may be put on snap count and split time with Kimani Vidal. 

The Chargers may ease him back in and limit his workload initially.

With Kimani Vidal emerging as a steady RB1 in Hampton’s absence, a rotational approach is likely in tonight’s matchup. 

The Chargers face an Eagles defense that has been vulnerable on the ground.

They rank in the league’s bottom half in rushing yards and explosive runs allowed.

A healthy Hampton would give Justin Herbert another reliable outlet in the passing game.

Herbert is also expected to play tonight despite a fractured left hand,

Before the injury, Hampton served as a reliable check-down option, logging 17 receptions in three games. 

But carry volume tonight may depend on conditioning and game flow. 

Vidal has rushed for 543 yards on 4.5 YPC, including three 100-yard performances in Hampton’s absence. 

Harbaugh has praised Vidal as a “No. 1 running back,” giving LA the flexibility to ease Hampton back with a snap count or situational usage.  

Still, the long-term vision should have Hampton in a full time starter role like he was prior to his injury. 

Hampton’s official injury status will be reported an hour and a half before kickoff tonight, but all signs point to his return.

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