Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chargers’ Star Running Back Omarion Hampton Battling Ankle Fracture, Remains Hopeful for Sunday Return

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers got a surprise update Wednesday when rookie running back Omarion Hampton revealed he has been playing through a left ankle fracture suffered in Week 5 against Washington. The injury, never announced by the team, send the first-round pick to injured reserve and kept him out the last six weeks.

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Omarion Hampton Feels “Amazing,” Hopes to Play vs. Raiders

Hampton returned to practice Tuesday and told reporters he feels great. “It hurt sitting here not helping my team,” he said. “I’m ready to get back out there.” The 22-year old is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, with the final call coming from the medical staff. The Chargers have until Saturday to activate him from IR.

Taken No.22 overall in April, Hampton was supposed to share carries with veteran Najee Harris. When Harris tore his Achilles in Week 3, Hampton stepped up fast. From Weeks 3-5 he led the NFL with 364 yards from scrimmage, rushed for 129 in one game, and caught 17 passes while becoming Justin Herbert’s safety net.

Since the injury, sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal has filled the void. Vidal has rushed for 399 yards since Week 6 (17th in the league) and earned praise from Jim Harbaugh as the current “No. 1 running back.”

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One-Two Punch Coming?

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said the plan is to use both backs together once Hampton is cleared. “I’m sure you’ll see some of one-two punch there,” Roman said. “How it divvies out, we’ll see.”

If activated, Hampton would give the Chargers a fresh, powerful runner for the playoff push. His return could also take pressure off Vidal, who has played heavy heavy snaps in recent weeks. For now, Hampton remains hopeful saying, “I feel like I was getting a little comfortable. I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet.”

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.