Chargers’ Hampton Out Sunday.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have declared running back Omarion Hampton inactive for Sunday’s contest against the Las Vegas Raiders due to an injury to his ankle.

Hampton has been sidelined since Week 5, when a fracture in his left ankle placed him on the injured reserve list. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Hampton is “progressing well” towards recovery but refrained from providing a specific return date. “Indeed, he displayed encouraging signs,” Harbaugh commented.

Hampton, who resumed practice sessions on Tuesday, expressed feeling “fantastic” upon his return to the field. He voiced optimism about participating in Sunday’s game, though he acknowledged that the decision rested with the team’s medical professionals.

“It was somewhat disheartening. Being unable to contribute to my team is frustrating,” Hampton stated. “Therefore, being able to assist my team in any capacity will be a positive experience.”

With Hampton unavailable for another game, the Chargers are expected to continue relying on running back Kimani Vidal. The Chargers initially released Vidal, their sixth-round selection in the 2024 draft, during the reduction of the roster to 53 players. He was subsequently reinstated to the practice squad and then elevated to the active roster following injuries to Hampton and fellow running back Najee Harris.

Vidal, who recorded a mere 43 carries for 155 yards in the previous season, has since evolved into a “primary running back,” according to Harbaugh. Vidal has surpassed 100 rushing yards in two separate games, and since Week 6, he has accumulated a total of 399 rushing yards, placing him at 17th overall in the NFL.

The Chargers selected Hampton with the 22nd overall pick in April, with the expectation that he and veteran Harris could establish the ground-based offensive strategy that Harbaugh had envisioned upon accepting the coaching position.

Hampton experienced a gradual start to the season but rapidly emerged as a pivotal player for the Chargers after Harris sustained a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. With Harris sidelined, L.A. heavily relied on Hampton, who showcased his abilities with a team-leading 129 scrimmage yards and his inaugural NFL touchdown in a 23-20 victory.

Hampton had established himself as a dependable, physical presence on the ground and a reliable receiving option for Herbert, securing 17 receptions between Weeks 3 and 5, which tied for the second-highest total on the team with wide receiver Keenan Allen. Hampton also ranked third in the NFL in scrimmage yards (364) during that particular stretch.

“I believe I was starting to settle in,” Hampton remarked. “I also believe that I have yet to reach my maximum potential.”

For now, the Chargers will have to exercise patience for at least another week before Hampton can return to action.