Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh offered the most promising update yet on rookie running back Omarion Hampton.Â
According to CBS Sports noted, Harbaugh has announced that the team has officially opened his 21-day practice window.
Hampton hasnât played since Oct. 5 due to an ankle injury, but Harbaugh said the move marks real progress:
âSome key backfield help,â he added, confirming the team expects him back soon.
The update was first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who posted that Hampton was back on the field after more than six weeks on the sideline.Â
Coming off the Chargersâ Week 12 bye, the timing couldnât be better for a team right in the heart of AFC playoff race.Â
Hamptonâs Injury and His Road Back to the Field
Before the setback, Hampton was one of the most productive rookie running backs in the league.Â
Through five games, he posted 314 rushing yards on 66 carries with two touchdowns, plus 20 receptions for 136 yards.Â
But a left ankle injury suffered in early October immediately halted his breakout rookie season.
While he wasnât placed on IR until after Week 6, Hampton hadnât participated in team practice since Oct. 5.Â
Prior to the bye, he was only doing conditioning and light work on the side, which was a signal he was trending in the right direction, but not yet close to returning.Â
That changed this week.
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Harbaugh said Hampton would âofficially have his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday.â
This would allow the Chargers to activate him at any point before Week 15.
Given he has missed six consecutive games, the rookie will likely need at least one full practice before being eligible to return Sunday against the Raiders.
But the fact he is practicing again at all is a significant step.
Harbaugh has also shown a history of trusting his lead backs immediately upon return.
Last season, J.K. Dobbins missed four games with a knee sprain.
When he returned in Week 17, Harbaugh didnât lighten his workload as Dobbins logged 19 carries.Â
If Hampton clears the same could be true for him this week.Â
What Hamptonâs Return MeansÂ
For Los Angeles, Hamptonâs return could be a major boost during a crucial stretch.Â
The Chargers currently sit at 7-4, and have leaned on Kimani Vidal in his absence to stay firmly in the playoff race.
Vidal has produced well as he has rushed for 417 yards and two touchdowns.Â
But Hampton brings a different level of explosiveness and versatility to the Chargers offense.Â
Once activated, Hampton is expected to reclaim the RB1 role.Â
Popper reported that he âshould overtake Kimani Vidal as the lead option out of the backfield.â
For fantasy managers, that means two things:
Hampton becomes a potential fantasy starter immediately especially if he gets back to his early-season workload.Â
He could be a fantasy playoff difference-maker down the stretchÂ
Vidal becomes a risky play, likely shifting back into a complimentary or even backup role.Â
Either way, the Chargersâ backfield is about to change and Jim Harbaugh just made it clear that Hamptonâs return is finally on the horizon.
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