As the NFL trade deadline approaches rapidly, with the final buzzer set to sound at 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers should be expected to be aggressive on the market given the sheer number of injuries they are attempting to account for.
Although the team won their Week 9 matchup against the Titans, 27-20, all rushers apart from Herbert combined for just 74 yards on the ground, and, as the team attempts to deal with injuries to both Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, this poor performance served as a reminder of just how impactful a game-changing running back could be for this roster.
Therefore, while a starting-caliber offensive lineman is likely the most pressing need given the injuries to Joe Alt and Bobby Hart, the team should not let the massive hole in their backfield fall to the periphery of their concerns.
The Chargers need a running back, despite the probable return of Omarion Hampton
As the season began, the Chargers had what looked to be a lethal backfield combination, pairing a workhorse back in Harris with a potentially electric rookie in Hampton. Alas, as fans of the team are well aware, things do not always turn out according to plan.
Since Harris went down for the season with a torn Achilles, and Hampton went down just two games later with an ankle injury, the team has used a combination of Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson to provide a counter to their passing game.
To Vidal's credit, he has had a couple explosive performances that have benefitted the Chargers in a major way. In the team's Week 8 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, he rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, buoying the team as they completed a much-needed dominant victory.
Yet, in Week 9 against the Titans, Vidal and Patterson fell flat.
Even following their relative shutdown of the Chargers' rushing offense (apart from Herbert's scrambles), Tennessee has one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, having allowed the fourth-most yards and the most rushing touchdowns so far this season out of any team. Los Angeles will need to be able to beat up on poor defenses throughout the rest of the season if they want any shot at a division title, and the first step in their ability to do so is an active and dynamic backfield.
Therefore, as urgent as their need for an offensive lineman may be, the team cannot completely forego their similarly dire need in the backfield, especially given the unclear timeline for the return of Hampton.