Chargers RB Omarion Hampton was really starting to heat up right before his injury. In Week 3 vs. the Broncos he went for over 100+ scrimmage yards. Against New York in Week 4, he had his first career game with 100+ rushing yards. An ankle injury he suffered against Washington the following week put one of the most promising young running backs in the NFL on IR until further notice.
At the start of this week, HC Jim Harbaugh poured cold water on optimism for a faster Omarion Hampton timeline. Harbaugh said the earliest he'd expect Hampton's practice window to be opened was after the teams' BYE Week. That of course knocks Hampton out for tomorrow's game against the Steelers, but would also seemingly close the door on a return vs. the Jaguars next week.
Could Chargers RB Omarion Hampton be back sooner rather than later?
Hampton's outlook appears to have improved throughout the week though. At practice yesterday, the Chargers rookie RB was seen working off to the side of the field for the first time since his ankle injury:
Omarion Hampton is working off to the side today at #Chargers practice. Positive sign for the rookie RB as he works his way back from an ankle injury.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 7, 2025
Harbaugh was asked about this new development at his Friday media availability. He said that Hampton is "progressing really well". Harbaugh said this when asked if the UNC product could receive a positive update to his previously given timeline:
"No crystal ball, but he's progressing really well," Harbaugh said.
The timeline after the BYE that was given by Harbaugh as an estimate earlier in the week is probably still the one that the fanbase and media should both being working off of. But, opening his practice window early next week would give rise to speculation that Hampton could attempt to play vs. the Jaguars in Week 11.
In the meantime, Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson will get the bulk of the carries vs. the Steelers this week. Vidal didn't have his best game on tape vs. Tennessee while Jaret Patterson looked efficient on limited carries. The Chargers will also look to get some assistance on the ground from QB Justin Herbert. Herbert leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards after 57 yards and a touchdown last week in the win over the Titans.
As Hampton was just hitting his stride before his injury, one can imagine that he's itching to get back on the field as soon as possible. His return as the incumbent RB1 would also take some of the stress off of the Chargers' rotational backs like Vidal, Patterson and Hassan Haskins (currently on IR).