The Los Angeles Chargers successfully navigated their fifth game without running back Omarion Hampton during a 25-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10.
Hampton hasn't taken the field since Week 5, when he sustained an ankle injury that forced the Chargers to put him on injured reserve, meaning he'd have to miss four games, at least.
Hampton has now missed five in a row and he is once again eligible to return from injured reserve this week, but will that actually happen?
Here's what we know based on recent injury updates.
Will Omarion Hampton return in Week 11?
No, Hampton is not expected to return in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last week, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he envisioned Hampton staying on injured reserve through the team's Week 12 bye.
"Jim Harbaugh said he does not expect Omarion Hampton’s activation window to be opened until after the Week 12 bye," The Athletic's Daniel Popper reported.
Assuming that doesn't change, that means the earliest we'll see Hampton again is in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
We do have some positive updates on Hampton, though.
Popper reported on Friday that Hampton was doing work on a side field at practice, something we haven't seen him do since suffering the injury. Furthermore, Hampton has shed his walking boot.
These are clear signs of progress, and while his return might not happen this week, it seems like there's a good chance Hampton will be ready to go by Week 13.
More NFL News
- Packers-Cowboys Micah Parsons deal included 'poison pills'
- Chiefs-Seahawks trade rumor reveals near deadline deal
- Bills trade rumor reveals Buffalo tried to make 2 blockbuster deals
- When is DeForest Buckner coming back? Latest injury update on star DT
- Kyler Murray rumor is intriguing news for Vikings, Steelers
- Steelers were snubbed by two wide receivers at the trade deadline