Omarion Hampton Returning Just in Time for the Fantasy Playoffs
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is gearing up for a return in Week 14, when they host the Philadelphia Eagles. Hampton hasn't played since Week 5, after he suffered a left-ankle fracture in the loss to the Washington Commanders. Before the injury, the 2025 first-round pick was starting to play his best football, totaling 291 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the two weeks before the injury. However, this run game will become more of a committee than what was previously used earlier in the season. Kimani Vidal has been a force in the run game with Hampton out, logging over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in four of his last seven games. Hampton's return will be at a great time for fantasy managers, as they prepare for a championship run in their leagues, but his value will be more as an RB2 than as the RB1 he was before.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Omarion Hampton Likely to Return in Week 14
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is likely to return in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Hampton is expected to return to action on Monday night after missing the last seven games with a fracture in his ankle. The rookie first-rounder was listed as a limited participant every day in practice last week before ultimately being ruled out against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie could be eased back into action after missing a significant amount of time. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman indicated that Hampton and second-year back Kimani Vidal could operate in a timeshare upon his return, which creates some uncertainty for his fantasy value in what will be a tough first matchup back against the Eagles. Hampton should still operate as the lead back, but it may not be in the workhorse role right away like we saw before his injury.
Source: Matt Zenitz
Source: Matt Zenitz
Trey Lance to Take First-Team Goal-Line Reps This Week
Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance will receive first-team practice reps in goal-line situations this week. This is a result of starting quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) needing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand following Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert had a metacarpal fracture in his left hand but still plans to play in Week 14 versus the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. The fact that Lance is doing goal-line work could be a hint that the Chargers might use him in goal-line situations, with Herbert probably being unable to take snaps under center next week. If Herbert plays in Week 14, he'll be more of a low-end QB1 option in fantasy football while going up against a strong Eagles pass rush.
Source: Kris Rhim
Source: Kris Rhim
Justin Herbert has Successful Hand Surgery on Monday
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) had successful surgery on Monday to stabilize a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand that he suffered in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert's return to play is considered day-to-day, and his status for next Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be determined later in the week. The Chargers are optimistic that Herbert will be able to play in Week 14, although he'll likely be wearing a protective glove and will probably take snaps out of the shotgun formation if he plays. A porous offensive line has led to plenty of bumps and bruises for Herbert this year, and he might have even less time to throw if he plays in Week 14 against a strong Eagles' defensive line. Herbert will be more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's active next Monday night.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen Delivers Modest Line, QB Questions Loom Large
Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen recorded a modest four catches for 30 yards on five targets in the team's 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen matched the team lead in receptions but provided little beyond sustaining drives. Over his last five games, he has only one red-zone target and saw fewer snaps as rookie Tre' Harris received more opportunities with the Chargers dominating on the ground. Justin Herbert's fractured non-throwing hand resulted in a more conservative game script (21 passes versus 43 rushes), further limiting Allen's upside. Heading into Week 14, the Philadelphia Eagles have shown vulnerabilities in back-to-back losses but still rank in the top 10 in pass defense, and Herbert's availability after surgery remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all receivers' outlooks decline, although Allen's reliability might make him the backup's preferred safety valve. Nonetheless, expectations should stay low.
Source: NFL
Source: NFL
Jaret Patterson Punches in Touchdown, Fantasy Role on Borrowed Time
Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.
Source: NFL
Source: NFL
Oronde Gadsden Cooling Off Fast, and Philly Could Make It Worse
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden recorded just one catch for 27 yards on two targets in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This was Gadsden's lowest involvement since Week 5, as the Chargers focused almost entirely on the run after Justin Herbert's hand injury early in the game. Gadsden has now gone two straight weeks without a red-zone target as his early-season surge cools off. Week 14 features a tough matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles' defense that ranks top-three against tight ends, allowing only three touchdowns all season and just nine PPR points per game to the position. If Herbert is ruled out, Gadsden's outlook drops even further. He remains a talented rookie with long-term appeal, but Week 14 looks likely to be another quiet game.
Source: NFL
Source: NFL
Omarion Hampton Close to Returning in Week 14?
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) has already resumed practicing with the team and could make his return for a Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. "We opened his window, and we certainly wouldn't have done that 21-day window if he wasn't close. I feel like he's been on track, and we'll let the week play out again," head coach Jim Harbaugh said when asked about Hampton's timeline for a return. The 22-year-old was limited in practice last week, and he might need a full practice this week to be cleared to play next Monday for the first time since he fractured his ankle in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. The North Carolina product could split backfield duties with Kimani Vidal upon his return, but eventually, Hampton should be the Bolts' clear lead back. Hampton should not be on the waiver wire in any fantasy football leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Quentin Johnston Scores Early in Week 13, But Week 14 Could Get Ugly
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston rebounded from his Week 11 goose egg by scoring on the opening drive on Sunday, helping the Bolts beat the Las Vegas Raiders 31-14. Johnston finished with three catches for 23 yards and a touchdown. It was encouraging to see him involved early in the red zone, but the passing game took a hit after Justin Herbert injured his hand, and the Chargers relied heavily on the ground game to dominate the Raiders. Next Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles enter with a top-10 secondary despite recent struggles. If Herbert, who is scheduled for surgery today, can't play, the entire passing attack could suffer as backup Trey Lance would step in. Philly just allowed 281 rushing yards to Chicago, so the Chargers could again lean on the run. With QB uncertainty and a tough matchup, expectations for all Chargers wide receivers, including Johnston, should be lowered.
Source: NFL
Source: NFL
Ladd McConkey Remains Productive, but Week 14 Could Halt Momentum
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught four passes for 39 yards and one touchdown, leading the team with six targets during their 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. With Justin Herbert managing a fractured non-throwing hand sustained early in the game, the Chargers relied heavily on the run game. They kept most throws short behind PFF's league-worst offensive line, limiting big-play opportunities for all Bolts' receivers. Still, McConkey's continued involvement in the red zone is encouraging. Next Monday night, a top-10 secondary from the Philadelphia Eagles awaits, and Herbert's status remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all pass catchers could see reduced production. However, Philly's defense has been notably vulnerable to slot receivers, giving McConkey a potential upside as the most natural fit to exploit their weakness.
Source: NFL
Source: NFL
Justin Herbert Having Hand Surgery on Monday
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) is undergoing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Specifically, Herbert is having a metacarpal fracture fixed in his left hand, but the current plan is for the 27-year-old to be available to start next Monday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. Herbert injured his hand early in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he missed just nine plays in the first half before returning to finish with 151 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception on 20 attempts. We'll likely see Herbert wearing a protective glove on his left hand next Monday while also operating more out of the shotgun. Fantasy managers should probably be more worried about Herbert's lack of protection from his offensive line in the upcoming matchup against Philly's strong defensive front.
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Justin Herbert Has Metacarpal Fracture in Left Hand
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) has been diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert suffered the fracture during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was able to finish the game after a brief absence. Rapoport reports that Herbert is scheduled to undergo surgery, but that the plan is for him to be active for the Chargers' Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If Herbert were to suffer a setback or be unable to play in Week 14, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to start for the Chargers against the Eagles. For now, fantasy managers should proceed as though Herbert will play, although he likely won't be at full strength.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Justin Herbert Planning to Play Through Broken Bone in Left Hand in Week 14
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) broke a bone in his left hand during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and is scheduled to undergo a procedure on Monday. However, Herbert said he is "treating it as if I'm playing" when asked about his status for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. On the bright side, Herbert will have an extra day of rest as the Chargers play the Eagles on Monday Night Football. However, Herbert will almost certainly be compromised to some degree if he's able to play at all against Philadelphia. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If he ends up not being able to play against the Eagles, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to make the start. Even if Herbert is active, fantasy managers in single-QB formats may want to look elsewhere at the quarterback position in Week 14.
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Justin Herbert Suffers Fractured Hand in Week 13, Will Have Surgery
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) could be in jeopardy of missing some time after suffering an injury on Sunday. According to Adam Schefter, Herbert suffered a fractured left hand during the Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team is uncertain if Herbert is going to miss any action right now. The 27-year-old is set to undergo surgery on Monday, so the team will give a better timetable throughout the week. Herbert completed 15-of-20 passing attempts for 151 yards with two touchdowns and one interception during Sunday's win. However, this could be the last time fantasy managers get to use Herbert with the playoffs looming. At the moment, Trey Lance is the backup, so he figures to start if Herbert sits out during the Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week for more updates on his status.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Kimani Vidal has Season-High in Rushing Yards in Win Over Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal bounced back in a big way during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 11, Vidal posted a season-low 13 yards in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old came ready to play out of the bye week this weekend. His biggest play of the game came in the third quarter when he rushed 59 yards for a score to give his team the lead. Vidal ended this game with a season-high 126 rushing yards on 25 attempts with one touchdown in the win. It remains to be seen how the workload is going to be split up once Omarion Hampton (ankle) returns to the mix. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week to see how that situation shakes out ahead of Week 14.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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