Chargers’ Omarion Hampton Set to Make Surprising Week 14 Comeback—Can He Change the Season’s Fate?

The buzz around Chargers’ camp is hard to ignore this week, as rookie running back Omarion Hampton gears up to make a much-anticipated comeback Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. After sidelining himself with an ankle injury back in Week 5, Hampton—La’s prized 2025 first-round draft pick—is finally closing in on a return, his 21-day practice window just having opened. If you caught the early season, you’d know Hampton was shredding rookie records left and right, boasting two touchdowns and a breakout 100-yard performance before limping off the field. Meanwhile, during his absence, Kimani Vidal has stepped up impressively, racking up yards and touchdowns that have kept the Chargers’ ground game humming. Yet, the big question mark still looms over Justin Herbert’s status as he recovers from hand surgery, leaving fans and analysts alike on edge about who’ll be leading the charge come kickoff. It’s shaping up to be a pivotal moment in LA’s pursuit to climb the AFC West ranks—brace yourselves. LEARN MORE

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is likely to return to action on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Hampton, the Chargers’ 2025 first-round draft pick, has not played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 5. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 7 and had his 21-day practice window opened a week ago.

Ahead of Week 5, Hampton was the NFL’s leading rookie in scrimmage yards with 380 and had recorded two touchdowns and his first 100-yard game.

In Hampton’s absence, it’s been Kimani Vidal, LA’s sixth-round draft pick in 2024, taking charge. The Troy product has racked up three 100-yard rushing games and currently leads the Chargers with 543 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

KimaniVidal

RB – LAC – #30

OmarionHampton

RB – LAC – #8

KimaniVidal

RB – LAC – #30

OmarionHampton

RB – LAC – #8

2025 – 2026 season

While the Chargers may see Hampton return to their backfield, there remains the question of Justin Herbert’s status. The quarterback needed surgery after Sunday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders to repair a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand.

Herbert is considered day-to-day, with the Chargers saying a determination on his Week 14 status will not be made until later in the week. Trey Lance, who completed his only pass of the game against the Raiders for 9 yards, would step into the starter’s role should Herbert be ruled out.

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“I’m treating it as if I’m playing Monday,” Herbert said.

The Chargers are second place in the AFC West with an 8-4 record, two games behind the division-leading Denver Broncos. Following the Eagles game, LA finishes the regular season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Broncos.