LOS ANGELES — Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton he is expected to play on Monday Night Football against the team Eaglesa source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Saturday.
Hampton hasn't played since Week 5, when he suffered a left ankle fracture that placed him on injured reserve. Hampton returned to practice last week, but the Chargers decided not to activate him against Las Vegas Raiders.
He practiced wearing the yellow jersey that coach Jim Harbaugh puts on players who have suffered injuries. But in Friday's practice, Hampton was back in shape with the rest of the offense, a sign he's progressing well.
Just like last week, Hampton said he feels ready to play and get back to his old self.
“If it's up to me, I'll always play,” Hampton said. “But I need to wait for the doctor. Whatever they say is true.”
Without Hampton, the Chargers are banking on running back. Kimani Vidal. Vidal, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, was released before the Chargers cut their roster to 53 players, but he returned to the practice squad and was signed to the active roster after injuries to Hampton and Najee Harris.
Vidal, who had 43 carries for 155 yards last season, has emerged as the “No. 1 running back,” according to Harbaugh. He had three games with 100 or more rushing yards, the most by a Chargers player in a single season since Melvin Gordon in 2018.
“It’s amazing just to see him come out and demonstrate what he does,” Hampton said. “…Me and him will be special.”
The Chargers selected Hampton with the 22nd overall pick in April, hoping he and Harris could form the rushing offense that Harbaugh envisioned when he was hired.
Hampton started the season slowly but quickly became one of the Chargers' most important players after Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in the first half against the Chargers. Denver Broncos in the third week. With Harris down, Los Angeles leaned heavily on Hampton, who rushed for a team-high 129 yards from scrimmage and scored his first NFL touchdown in a 23-20 win.
Hampton was a steady, powerful force on the ground and a safety valve in the passing game for Herbert, catching 17 passes from Weeks 3 to 5 and tied for second on the team at wide receiver. Keenan Allen. Hampton was also third in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (364) during that period.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a little more comfortable,” Hampton said. “I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet.”
