Omarion Hampton Injury Update Sends Clear Message on Chargers’ Week 14 Plans

The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for a crucial Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

As USA Today noted, rookie running back Omarion Hampton appears to be trending in the right direction. 

Hampton, who has missed seven straight games with an ankle fracture suffered in Week 5, returned to practice last week and continues making visible progress. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh offered measured optimism, saying Hampton is “on track and looking good,” 

He reiterated that the team “wouldn’t have opened his 21-day window if he wasn’t close.”

Hampton was spotted practicing in a yellow non-contact jersey, a sign the Chargers are easing him back in while testing how the ankle responds to increased movement.  

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has already stated that once Hampton returns, he expects a “1-2 punch” with Kimani Vidal. 

This is another indicator that the rookie’s activation is firmly on the table. 

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Injury Timeline and Latest Updates

Hampton suffered what was initially believed to be a high ankle sprain in the Chargers’ Week 5 loss to Washington. 

But NFL Network later confirmed he had actually fractured the ankle which extended his recovery timeline.

He was placed on IR on October 7 and has been out since. 

Since opening his 21-day window last week, he has now logged three limited practices, his first participation since early October. 

His 21-day practice window opened in Week 13, giving the Chargers until Week 15 to add him back to the active roster. 

After practicing last week but ultimately sitting out the Raiders game, signs now point toward a legitimate chance he suits up against the Eagles.

Reporters observed Hampton taking part in drills Wednesday in a non-contact jersey. 

This suggests the team is testing workload progression day by day.

Harbaugh’s tone has remained cautiously optimistic, telling reporters, “He’s been on track, let the week unfold.” 

While nothing is officially confirmed yet, the expectation from inside and outside the building is that Hampton has a real chance to return Monday night. 

This is assuming that he continues trending upward and upgrades at least once on the injury report before Saturday. 

It is very important to keep an eye on the Friday and Saturday injury update. 

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Should You Start Omarion Hampton in Fantasy Football?

Even if Hampton is active in Week 14, fantasy managers should temper expectations. 

Before going down, Hampton led all rookies with 380 scrimmage yards, averaging 90 yards per game and was extremely explosive at times. 

But during his absence, Kimani Vidal has emerged as a highly productive fill-in. 

He has posted three 100-yard rushing games and forced a league-high 11 missed tackles last week. 

Greg Roman has publicly confirmed that when Hampton returns, the Chargers will use a shared backfield rather than handing the rookie his pre-injury workload. 

That likely means a limited snap count in his first game back, especially since he’s been out for nearly two months.  

Long-term, Hampton’s role should grow as he gets healthier and back to his early-season form. 

But for Week 14, fantasy managers should pursue with caution.

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