The Los Angeles Chargers received some positive news over the past couple of weeks concerning the status of Omarion Hampton.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz has recently reported that Hampton is “likely” to play in Week 14, although nothing is confirmed as of yet. The rookie Chargers running back has been practicing in a limited capacity for the past four days, and still was in a non-contact jersey as of Thursday.
Hampton Nearing Return as Chargers Monitor Progress
Still, Zenitz has written the following, “It’s currently viewed as likely that Chargers starting running back Omarion Hampton, who has missed the last seven games with an ankle injury, will be able return to action and play next Monday when the team faces the Eagles.”
Another positive development is how Jim Harbaugh has addressed his comeback. Reportedly, Harbaugh has commented that the rookie is “on track and looking good” and that Hampton is ramping up enough for him to be able to make a decision by the end of the week.
This is especially good news considering the fact the Chargers want to be able to establish their ground game the rest of the season. Kimani Vidal has successfully been able to assume a bigger role, and as a result, a potential RB tandem of Hampton and Vidal could pay off.
After all, the Chargers are 6-2 on the year when they are able to rush for over 100 yards, with their most recent performance against the Raiders a prime example.
A Potentially Explosive Hampton–Vidal Backfield
It is also important to not that the Chargers want to predicate their game on explosive runs as well, with both Vidal and Hampton elite in that regard. In the five games Hampton had played before his injury, he had seven runs of 10+ yards, while Vidal has had 13 in his absence.
Said Hampton of Vidal’s productivity: It’s amazing to see him go out there and produce the way he did. Just him coming back with me, it’s definitely going to be special. Me and him are going to be special.”
There is further proof that Hampton and Vidal could be a potent 1-2 punch down the stretch as well, as Hampton totaled 450 yards on just 86 touches and had two touchdowns as well. Vidal now in the time he has assumed the role ranks 12th in the league with 532.
“He’s a playmaker, so it’s another playmaker on the field,” Vidal said about Hampton’s potential return. “It would be great to have him back.”
This will ultimately all come down to the decision that Harbaugh makes on either Sunday or Monday. After all, the fact that the Chargers essentially have an extra day of rest can give Hampton further time to recuperate. Reports say that the latest information will come out Monday at the latest, but there is confidence it could come sooner.
For now though, Chargers fans can be excited in knowing his return is ever nearing…and the potential for an even more dynamic backfield will grow.
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