The outlook of the LA Chargers' backfield was troubling when running back Omarion Hampton was placed on IR in early October due to an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins hadn't yet proved that they could handle RB1 duties; Najee Harris had already been out for two weeks at the time due to a season-ending Achilles tear.
Since then, Vidal ran away with the RB1 job. He put up nearly 400 yards as Los Angeles' lead RB with two rushing TDs and one receiving score. With Haskins still on IR due to an injury, the backs behind the Troy product have largely been practice-squad players.
Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams are the main crop of practice squad running backs that Los Angeles has elevated in the absence of Hampton, Harris, and Haskins.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Tuesday that Hampton's 21-day practice window is being opened. While it's not a guarantee that he plays Sunday vs. the Raiders, the door is now open to the possibility.
Vidal left the team's loss to Jacksonville briefly due to a thigh injury, but was able to return and play afterwards. "Kimani's gonna practice today, Kimani should be good to go," Harbaugh said. Harbaugh was then asked about how Hampton and Vidal could split carries:
"I'm not gonna prognosticate that. We'll just see how the week goes," Harbaugh said.
Jim Harbaugh provides no clarity on Chargers' RB split with Omarion Hampton
When Harris first came back from his eye injury, the Chargers worked him back in fairly slowly as he ramped back up through the team's first three games. One wonders if they follow a similar process with game reps when it comes to their prized rookie running back. At some point in his return, Hampton will eventually become the team's RB1 again.
On October 2nd, Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman had said that Hampton's ankle injury was not complicated.
"It's not one of those complicated type situations where, 'Geez, I wonder if Omarion is going to be Omarion when he comes back'. It's not one of those situations," Roman said. Taking those comments strictly at face value makes one believe that the ramp-up period for Hampton won't be terribly long.
Vidal will still have a role when Hampton returns, but the RB1 title eventually changing hands on the depth chart is more of a guarantee than an if. Hopefully, Hampton can begin the process of getting his legs back under him against the Raiders this Sunday.