Omarion Hampton’s Status in Doubt as Chargers Face Broncos
The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for their regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. While the matchup typically stirs excitement, the stakes are notably low. The Broncos clinched the division title last week, rendering this game more of a formality for the Chargers. In light of this, head coach Jim Harbaugh has indicated that several starters will take the day off, with quarterback Justin Herbert being the only name confirmed for rest thus far.
Rookie Running Back’s Injury Woes
Adding to the Chargers’ injury concerns, rookie running back Omarion Hampton’s participation is in serious jeopardy. Hampton, who has already faced significant challenges in his inaugural season due to a fractured ankle that sidelined him for an extended period, is now dealing with another setback. In his nine appearances this year, he has managed to accumulate 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Additionally, he has contributed in the passing game with 32 receptions for 192 yards and another touchdown, proving to be a valuable asset for the Chargers.
Unfortunately, injuries have overshadowed what could have been a breakout rookie season for Hampton.
Injury Report Highlights
Hampton has been marked as a Did Not Participate (DNP) throughout the week due to his ongoing ankle injury. The Chargers’ injury report, particularly leading up to the matchup against the Broncos, has raised concerns among fans. Alongside Hampton, fellow running backs Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins have also been hampered by injuries. The trend of multiple DNPs typically suggests that a player is unlikely to take the field, and signs point toward Hampton joining the sidelines for this critical game.
In a silver lining for the Chargers, Kimani Vidal has been upgraded to a full participant in practice, providing a boost to the running back corps. Vidal stepped into a more prominent role during Hampton’s midseason absence, showcasing his capabilities by rushing for 631 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Notably, he recorded three games with over 100 rushing yards, demonstrating his potential to carry the load in Hampton’s absence.
Chargers’ Running Back Depth Chart
With Hampton likely sidelined, the Chargers still have valuable options on the roster to rely on this Sunday. The current depth chart for the running back position includes:
Omarion Hampton
Kimani Vidal
Hassan Haskins
Jaret Patterson
Amar Johnson (practice squad)
Royce Freeman (practice squad)
As the Chargers prepare for the matchup, the focus will be on how they adapt to these injury challenges while maintaining momentum heading into the postseason.
The Chargers’ fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates these hurdles as they gear up for the final game of the regular season.
