The Los Angeles Chargers have fallen back down to earth after a hot start to the 2025 campaign, suffering losses to the New York Giants and Washington Commanders in consecutive weeks. Making matters worse, their injury woes are beginning to pile up, with their latest big blow coming in the form of an ankle injury that landed rookie running back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve.
With Najee Harris already out for the season after he suffered a torn Achilles, that has left the Chargers shorthanded at running back. The front office has moved quickly to shore up the position, and it has led them to reunite with a veteran running back who spent time with the team during training camp over the summer.
Chargers Sign Nyheim Hines to Practice Squad
Hampton quickly emerged as one of the top dual-threat running backs early in the 2025 season, racking up 314 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also catching 20 passes for 136 yards as a receiver. With him and Harris out now, though, the Chargers are going to have to look elsewhere for production at running back.
Hassan Haskins appears to be in line for starting snaps with Hampton out, with Kimani Vidal also factoring into the mix. If one of these guys gets hurt, though, L.A. would find itself in a bind, which is why the front office moved quickly to bring Nyheim Hines back to town after his stint with the team during training camp.
Hines spent the first four seasons of his career working as a third-down back with the Indianapolis Colts, while also serving as a kickoff and punt returner. Injuries have sidetracked Hines’ career, as he hasn’t suited up for an NFL game since 2023, but he could very well find his way back onto the field in the near future with the Chargers after signing to their practice squad.
“The Chargers are signing Nyheim Hines to the practice squad after working him out today, per source,” Kris Rhim of ESPN reported in a post on X. “He was with the Chargers during training camp. With the position thin, Hines has a chance to play this week.”
Chargers Aiming to Get Back in the Win Column in Week 6
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass the ball against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
If Hines is fully healthy, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Chargers moving forward. It seems more likely Haskins and Vidal will get the first crack at replacing Hampton, but having a proven veteran waiting in the wings in case things go wrong is certainly not a bad idea for the time being, especially when considering the offense’s recent struggles.
The good news for Los Angeles is that they have a great opportunity to get back in the win column when they return to action in Week 6, as they have a matchup with the lowly Miami Dolphins on their hands. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and if the Chargers can’t come out of this one with a win, then it may be time to start sounding the alarm bells.
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