The Chargers are seemingly loaded in the running back room this year. Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal are a solid trio that rivals the deepest groups in the league
Both fantasy managers and Chargers fans have one key question about the room. What is the split going to be between these three RBs? Omarion Hampton obviously projects to be LA's RB1 under OC Mike McDaniel. But the exact carry split will have to be worked out from game to game. Mitchell creates explosive plays when he touches the ball. Vidal led the Chargers in rushing last year and had three 100+ yard rushing games himself.
You're probably not going to get the answer you want on the Chargers RB room from OC Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel was first asked about Mitchell and Vidal potentially competing for RB2:
"I think they both have unique skills," McDaniel said. "They are both very high quality players that can be entrusted with the ball."
McDaniel also partially deflected on the question by saying that all of the running backs could start based on injury scenarios:
"Running backs, in this day and age, with the speed of our NFL now-you better have at least three," McDaniel started. "That's why I feel so good about the group. You figure at some point, all three of those guys will start at some point. Just by the nature of the NFL. It doesn't mean guys get injured, but they get banged up."
McDaniel said he's "comfortable" with all three of the Chargers RBs starting a game in the NFL.
Asked if he sees Omarion Hampton still being a "workhorse" running back, McDaniel responded in jest to the fantasy community.
"There's good news and bad news, fantasy owners," McDaniel started. "Good news, I see all three of those guys producing at a very high level. Bad news is, I can't tell you which games those are."
"I think there's going to be an opportunity for him to have a ton of touches," McDaniel said of Hampton. "And I like to have backs be fresh, just because I think it's a competitive advantage against a defense that's not subbing out."
"You kinda play hot hand once you're into games," McDaniel said. "Specifically, I'll use all three of those guys probably every game. The relative ratio? That will be based on opponent and what we're asking the guys to do."
It's pretty clear that Hampton will be the top RB in the room. Barring injuries, I'd personally be stunned if he didn't lead the Chargers in total carries or touches. But the running back by committee approach can still be useful from drive to drive as we saw in Miami last year. Even with a high volume De'Von Achane, McDaniel still found ways to get RBs like Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II going.
Knowing Vidal can pass protect while being a bellcow is an advantage for McDaniel. Just like it's an advantage to know Mitchell can create a high percentage of explosives when healthy. Expect Hampton to be the aforementioned "workhorse". But don't be surprised if McDaniel throws in a couple surprises from drive to drive.
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