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Will Omarion Hampton still be the starter when he returns? John looks at the latest Omarion Hampton injury return timeline and fantasy outlooks for the Chargers RBs.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is still dealing with a high-ankle sprain, and possibly other damage to his ankle, from an injury he suffered in Week 5.
Hampton was running a route to the flat when his ankle was rolled up on by a defender. He immediately went down, was later ruled out of the game, and subsequently placed on injured reserve.
While he quickly earned the starting job, and had a workhorse role, after the injury to Chargers running back Najee Harris (Achilles), he's not played for so long that it's worth asking -- will he be the starter when he comes back?
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Will Omarion Hampton Start For The Chargers When He Returns?
There's little doubt that he'll regain the starting role once he's healthy, at least. His backup, RB Kimani Vidal (thigh), has looked good at times, but he's dropped multiple dud games along the way. Last week, he rushed five times for just 13 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry.
In his six starts in Hampton's absence, he's scored 22.8, 7.5, 19.7, 3.0, 17.8, and 3.2 PPR fantasy points, clearly showing how volatile he is. It doesn't seem like he's highly talented from box-score watching or turning on the film -- rather, he benefited from easy matchups when the Chargers offensive line was dominating at the line of scrimmage.
Omarion Hampton is going to be a special football player. There’s a lot to be down about rn, but he’s not on that list. I’m thrilled he’s the RB of our future. 💥🏈💥#BoltUp pic.twitter.com/BsxyDbLwAp
— BoltzGalaxy⚡️🪐 (@boltzgalaxy) November 18, 2025
It's not hard to see from what Hampton has put on film that he's the better back of the group. Keep in mind Vidal was a late-round pick from Troy while Hampton was a first-round pick in a stacked running back class from a higher-profile school.
Hampton performed very well at the combine and has a ridiculous blend of size and athleticism. These make him ideal for a workhorse role in the NFL, and that's likely what he'll return to. And Vidal is dealing with a thigh injury -- he might still have lingering effects from that in two weeks.
Omarion Hampton Fantasy Football Outlook
Hampton is a must-start RB1 with league-winning potential. The Chargers offensive line has once again been decimated by injuries, but he's a force in the passing game, and the pass protection issues could lead to him getting more work in the passing game.
Los Angeles' offensive line is better as a run-blocking unit, so that helps. Hampton is likely to face plenty of stacked boxes, but the Chargers could punish opponents doing that with their high-end receiving corps of Oronde Gadsden, Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and other guys.
this Omarion Hampton run gets both angles. What a monster effort. pic.twitter.com/RUJUG830ti
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 30, 2025
And running backs with his level of strength and power sometimes will get reps even when coaches think they'll be contacted by the defense right away, such as when they have bad run-blocking to work with. Hampton's power will be crucial for goal-line situations, too.
It's unlikely that any other RB will get goal-line carries while Hampton is active. Vidal is shorter and less powerful, and not suited for that role. The explosive play upside of Hampton is also strong, as he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine.
It will be exciting to see plays in which Hampton can break through to the second level and be matched up against defensive backs trying to tackle him. He's a physical mismatch for those players, and should be able to shed tackles from cornerbacks and safeties with ease, or at least power through them for a lot of extra yards.
You're starting Hampton in every week he plays because of his massive upside either way!
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