As great as Kimani Vidal was in fill-in duty, the LA Chargers offense has simply been better with Omarion Hampton healthy. Unfortunately, it's up in the air whether or not the rookie running back will be available in the AFC Wild Card Round against the New England Patriots.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that Hampton would not be practicing on Wednesday with an ankle injury. Hampton did not practice leading into Week 18 but with the Chargers not playing important starters, it appeared it was merely a case of the team being overly cautious.
Hampton's Wednesday practice status turns that optimistic, cautious outlook into one of dread. The Chargers are four days away from a winnable playoff matchup and may have to walk into New England without one of the most important cogs of the offense.
Missing Omarion Hampton would be devastating for the Chargers
Hampton missed time earlier this season with an ankle injury and there were moments where it was felt. Vidal had several good games that certainly helped the cause, but there were also games where the Chargers' offense was one dimensional because of a diluted rushing attack.
The Chargers need the running game to be at full strength against a Patriots rush defense that was one of the best in the league this season. As special as Vidal has looked at times, it's hard to imagine him doing a Darren Sproles impression against this Patriots defense.
This is even more detrimental to the Chargers considering what kind of game the Bolts are in line for. This is going to be a slog between Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel that is bound to result in a close outcome. The winning team very well may be whichever team can execute on the ground in key spots; without Hampton, it's harder to imagine that being the Chargers.
Hampton's status for the Wild Card Round certainly isn't set in stone, and there is still a real chance that he advances through the injury stages and suits up against the Patriots. But now the doubt is starting to creep in, and the overall sentiment heading into Sunday is worsening.
Hopefully, the Bolts are just being overly cautious, even into this week's practices. Time will tell.