The return of Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton will have to wait at least one more week. In the team's final injury report on Friday, Hampton was ruled OUT with an ankle injury.
Defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia (elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in his own attempt to be activated from IR.
Hampton was spotted at Friday's practice in a yellow jersey. That is the team's "noncontact" practice uniform for players who are currently injured. In general, it wouldn't be too out of the ordinary for a player returning from IR to wear the yellow jersey. However, it's noteworthy that Hampton did not wear the non-contact jersey during Tuesday and Wednesday's practices.
Chargers RB Omarion Hampton will have to wait at least another week to return from IR
Head coach Jim Harbaugh called Hampton's first week of practice back with the team "really beneficial". Harbaugh was specifically asked what he needs to see from Hampton in practice in order to return:
"Everything's on track," Harbaugh said. "Everything's on track. Good week. Gosh, he looked good. On track to return, not this week."
For at least one more week, Kimani Vidal will get the start at running back. He was briefly injured in the Jacksonville loss, but has been a full participant in practice since the team returned from the bye week.
The Chargers will also need to elevate practice squad running backs behind Vidal with Hampton now ruled out. Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams could be activated for Sunday's game vs. Las Vegas.
If Hampton is truly "on track" to return, the Chargers will have an extra day next week to get him back into the lineup. After playing the Raiders, the teams' practice schedule will likely be pushed back a day with Monday Night Football on the horizon. Having Hampton back for the Eagles game would be an appreciated development, to say the least.
Hampton is still top 10 in yardage amongst rookie running backs despite not playing since Week 5. Against the Giants and Broncos, he started showing off a real ability to break off explosive plays at the NFL level. While Vidal has done much better than anyone could've expected, considering the circumstances, the team needs Hampton's big-play ability against better run defenses.
If the Chargers can get one more win vs. the struggling Raiders this week, Hampton's return could be the boost the team needs against the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles at home.