Omarion Hampton is edging closer to a return to action as the Los Angeles Chargers return from their bye. The rookie running back suffered an ankle injury in the 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5, and he has been sidelined for a total of six games.
Hampton has been listed on the Chargers' injured reserve since he got injured. However, according to Ari Meriov, the team has designated the rookie running back for a return. This is leaning toward him being activated ahead of the Week 13 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned earlier this month that a potential return could come after the team's bye week, after Omarion Hampton had been rehabbing off to the side in recent weeks. He is said to have proceeded on a 21-day practice window to assess his progress.
Before his injury, Hampton recorded 314 yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries in five games. He also had an impact on the passing game, tallying 20 receptions for 136 yards.
Since Hampton went down, the Chargers have been solid on the field but unspectacular, posting a 4-2 record without him. Coming off their bye week well rested, they are eager to bounce back from a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which is their ugliest defeat of the year.
Justin Herbert expressed his excitement after Omarion Hampton returned to practice on Tuesday. The rookie running back brings in a new energy to the offense, and the quarterback recognizes that. A stronger ground game will come as a lot of help to the quarterback.
"It was good to see him back out there," Herbert said. "He brings a different level of energy to our team and we saw how special he was early in the season. I know he's been battling to get back out there and doing everything he can, it's just good to see steps forward and to see him back out there."
Hampton had been expected to share the backfield load with free-agent addition Najee Harris. However, Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers still have running back Hassan Haskin on the injured reserve.
The Chargers have averaged 115.7 rushing yards per game this season, ranking 17th in the NFL. Omarion Hampton is expected to take the lead running back duty from Kimani Vidal when he returns to action.