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When will Omarion Hampton return and play? Will Omarion Hampton be back again this season? Read the latest Omarion Hampton injury updates and return date for Week 7 (2025).
After an impressive start to his rookie season, Omarion Hampton established himself as the Chargers' lead running back following Najee Harris' season-ending injury in Week 3. The first-round pick carried solid RB2 value heading into Week 5, emerging as a key dual-threat weapon in Los Angeles' offense.
However, during their Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders, Hampton exited late in the third quarter with an ankle injury that has significantly impacted his availability.
When will Hampton return to action, and what is his fantasy football outlook when he does? Let's dive in.
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Omarion Hampton Injury Update
Following their Week 5 contest against the Washington Commanders, the Chargers placed Hampton on injured reserve with an ankle injury, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. Hampton injured his left ankle late in the third quarter when a defender stepped on the back of his foot, forcing him to exit in a walking boot.
Chargers to place RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR. He will miss at least the next four games. pic.twitter.com/BAv157cZFY
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2025
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the rookie will "likely" miss more time than the four-week minimum, though it's not a season-ending injury. While Hampton is eligible to return to action ahead of the Chargers' Week 10 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he is not expected to be elevated from IR by then.
Multiple reports now indicate the rookie "isn't expected to be ready" when first eligible in Week 10. With the Chargers enjoying a bye week in Week 12, Week 13 appears to be the most logical target date for his return.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh called Hampton a "special player" but stated the organization must let the ankle heal fully before risking a setback. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as the Chargers are taking a cautious approach with their promising rookie.
Omarion Hampton Fantasy Football Outlook
Through the first five games of the season, Hampton had been one of the Chargers' most productive offensive players, tallying 86 total touches for 450 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie had 66 carries for 314 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns, while adding 20 receptions for 136 yards.
Hampton had perhaps been the Chargers' most important offensive player not named Justin Herbert, ranking third in the NFL in yards from scrimmage since Week 3. He posted his first 100-yard rushing game in Week 4 against the New York Giants, rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown while catching five passes for 37 yards.
#OmarionHamptom
Found it
Here is play
Right ankle eversion sprain
High ankle variant
Not season ending
No surgery
Back quickly after 4 weeks or so. pic.twitter.com/Yj4YuNFTVi— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 7, 2025
With Hampton sidelined, the Chargers signed running back Kimani Vidal to the active roster from the practice squad and added veteran Nyheim Hines to the practice squad. In Week 6, Vidal was the clear winner of the battle in the backfield, playing 67% of snaps, handling 18 carries, and receiving four targets.
If Hampton returns healthy in Week 13 or shortly after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye, he should reclaim his role as the team's feature back. Barring a trade for another running back, Hampton should face no competition for the starting role when he returns.
Given his early-season production and first-round draft capital, managers in 12-team formats with an IR spot should continue to stash Hampton. If your team is in a good position and a heavy favorite to make the playoffs, it is not a bad idea to see if you can acquire Hampton from his manager at a discount. He projects as a mid-to-high RB2 upon return with RB1 upside in favorable matchups, especially if the Chargers' offensive line gets healthy.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
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Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 7 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Tyler Allgeier, Rachaad White, Quinshon Judkins. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 7. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
Week 7 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Tyler Allgeier, Rachaad White, Quinshon Judkins. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 7.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
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Popular Week 7 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 7 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 7 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 7 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Tyler Allgeier, Rachaad White, Quinshon Judkins, compared to others:
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