The Chargers are entering arguably the biggest stretch of their season, with 6 games left, and a record of 7-4 the room for error is gone.
Omarion Hampton hasn’t played since Week 5 vs the Washington Commanders after being placed on IR, but he’s on the brink of a return. Jim Harbaugh was asked if Hampton would be returning to practice soon, "We'll make that decision next week," Harbaugh said. "It all depends on how he progresses this week."
The rookie running back was one of the most productive players for the Chargers before landing on IR. Through 5 weeks Hampton had, 314 rushing yards on 66 attempts, 136 receiving yards on 20 receptions, and 2 touchdowns.
Kimani Vidal has emerged into the Chargers' offense while Hampton has been injured. Through 7 weeks Vidal had, 417 rushing yards on 96 attempts, 52 receiving yards on 12 receptions, and 3 touchdowns.
How does Joe Alt’s presence play a factor into these stats?
Joe Alt started at left tackle for weeks 1-4 with Hampton at starting running back. Hampton in those weeks had 270 rushing yards on 54 attempts, 110 receiving yards on 14 receptions, and 2 touchdowns with Alt in the lineup.
Vidal started at running back with Alt at left tackle for weeks 8 and 9. In Week 8 vs the Vikings, Vidal had 117 rushing yards on 23 attempts, 10 yards on 1 reception, and a touchdown. In Week 9, Vidal had 30 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Alt left that game at 4:49 in the second quarter, with a high ankle injury that required season ending surgery.
We’ve only seen Hampton play without Alt at starting left tackle for one game in his career, he left the game early, and landed on IR.
The Chargers have found run success in Vidal without Alt in the lineup during the Dolphins, and Steelers games, Vidal had 235 total yards, and two touchdowns during those games.
Hampton, through his first five NFL games, was showing glimpses of the star he can become, and the vision behind the Chargers drafting him in round one was prevailing.
Even with the offensive line injuries, Hampton's return can be the x-factor the Chargers need to make a playoff push in their final six-game stretch.
A late Week 12 bye week becomes a blessing for the Chargers to hopefully get their rookie 1st round running back back to full health.
The Chargers still need to activate Hampton’s 21-day practice window in order for him to return to practice; this could come at the end of the bye week.
A return in Week 13 vs the Raiders is possible for Hampton if they can get him back into a full week of practice.