Just when LA Chargers fans thought it couldn't get any worse on Sunday, it did. Just minutes after the Chargers lost one of the ugliest games of the Jim Harbaugh era, fans got awful news regarding the health of rookie running back Omarion Hampton.
Hampton was removed from the Chargers last real drive of the game late in the fourth quarter and was seen testing his ankle on the sideline. Los Angeles ruled him as questionable, although he never got a chance to actually come back in the game as the Chargers didn't get the ball back until garbage time.
Thus, fans didn't know the severity of Hampton's injury until after the game. Unfortunately, that's when reporters saw Hampton sporting a walking boot on his left ankle in the Chargers locker room. His status moving forward is now up in the air.
Omarion Hampton injury pours salt in Chargers fans' wounds
Omarion Hampton was one of the few bright spots from what was an otherwise awful game for the Chargers. Hampton proved he has what it takes to be a true bell-cow back in his second game without Najee Harris. He exploded off the screen, and was a true difference-maker in the running and passing game.
Hampton was making the most of his terrible offensive line situation, which has really handcuffed the Chargers the last two weeks. Not only does it impact Justin Herbert in the passing game, but it also significantly hampers the running game. Hampton consistently gets drilled behind the line of scrimmage, and a lesser back would struggle to produce in this situation.
The Chargers genuinely in rough shape if Hampton has to miss any time, which seems like a guarantee after this development. There isn't a true second running back on the roster with Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins being the next two backs up.
Los Angeles won't find anyone who can be 80% as impactful as Hampton on the market, either. The team can (and should) add some running back depth, but it will simply be putting a bandage on a significant wound.
The Chargers' arrow is sharply pointing down after Sunday's loss to the Commanders and Hampton's injury only makes it worse. Expect more pitiful offensive performances like Week 5 if the rookie running back is forced to miss time.