Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that rookie running back Omarion Hampton will be placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury, sidelining him for at least the next four games.
Hampton sustained the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. The injury occurred on a fourth-and-2 play when Hampton tripped over Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu and came up limping. He did not return and was later seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot on his left foot.
The Chargers drafted Hampton with the 22nd overall pick this year, hoping to build a strong ground game alongside veteran running back Najee Harris. However, Harris was already lost for the season in Week 3 due to a ruptured Achilles, and now Hampton’s absence delivers another major blow to the team’s backfield.
Hampton had emerged as a key offensive contributor since Harris went down, recording 314 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 20 receptions for 136 receiving yards this season. Since Week 3, he ranks third in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage, behind only Puka Nacua and Christian McCaffrey. Before exiting Sunday’s game, Hampton had already totaled 70 scrimmage yards and appeared poised for another productive outing.
With Hampton out, the Chargers will turn to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to carry the rushing load. Haskins has logged five carries for 13 yards this season, while Vidal — elevated from the practice squad for the past two games — has totaled four carries for 18 yards.
Harbaugh also mentioned rookie Amar Johnson, currently on the practice squad, as a potential option. Johnson has yet to play in a regular-season game but impressed during the preseason with the Packers. Additionally, the team is expected to evaluate external options, signaling possible tryouts or trade activity.
Hampton joins a growing list of injured Chargers, including Najee Harris, edge rusher Khalil Mack (elbow, IR), offensive tackle Joe Alt (high ankle sprain), and left tackle Rashawn Slater (season-ending patellar tendon injury).
In more positive news, the Chargers are opening the 21-day practice window for linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2 with an ankle injury.
