Just five games into the 2025 season, the Los Angeles Chargers are already down two running backs.
Najee Harris, an offseason signing, tore his Achilles in Week 3, ending his season. That injury opened the door for first-round rookie Omarion Hampton, who rushed for 128 yards in Week 4 against the New York Giants. But now, Hampton is also headed to the sidelines.
On Monday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Hampton is being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. While the injury isn’t considered season-ending, Hampton will miss at least four games.
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Which Chargers running backs will lead the way without Hampton or Harris? Here's a look at L.A.'s updated depth chart at the position.
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Chargers running back depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Omarion Hampton (IR) |
| 2 | Najee Harris (IR) |
| 3A | Hassan Haskins |
| 3B | Kimani Vidal |
| 5 | Amar Johnson |
No. 1: Omarion Hampton (IR)
Hampton was just starting to emerge as the Chargers’ three-down back before his injury. Harbaugh had eased the rookie into a larger role early on, giving him a combined 23 carries in Weeks 1 and 2, but Harris’ early-season injury opened the door for Hampton to take over.
The UNC product quickly stepped up as a dual-threat option in Weeks 3 and 4, totaling 70 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards in a win over the Denver Broncos, then 128 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards in a loss to the New York Giants. He also added two touchdowns across those two games.
However, Hampton appeared to suffer his ankle injury in the third quarter of Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. He tripped over linebacker Frankie Luvu and came up limping. Hampton did not return and later left the stadium in a walking boot.
On Monday, Harbaugh said Hampton would be placed on IR. There is no indication of his return timeline yet, but the rookie will miss at least four games. Per Ian Rapoport, there is a "good chance" Hampton returns to the field after those four games.
Hampton's injury, along with Harris', leaves the running back room depleted heading into Week 6.
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No. 2: Najee Harris (IR)
Harris, the owner of four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed with the Chargers in the offseason. He was set to be a power-runner alongside Hampton's more dynamic skillset, but now he'll be sidelined for the remainder of 2025.
Harris suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles in Week 3. He finished his 2025 season with 61 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards in three games.
No. 3A: Hassan Haskins
For now, there is no true No. 1 candidate to lead the Chargers' backfield. If there's one name that could wind up seeing the majority of the playing time though, it'd be third-year back Hassan Haskins.
In Week 5 following Hampton's injury, Haskins saw five carries and one reception (six touches) to Kimani Vidal's four carries and one reception (five touches). That margin of one carry was the difference against the Commanders — and both running backs are likely to see significant snaps moving forward.
Harbaugh said Monday that the team will "turn" to Haskins and Vidal, per ESPN. Unless one of the two players separates himself with his play, it's likely they'll be splitting time in Hampton's absence.
Haskins is in his second year with the Chargers. In 2024, he posted 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns over 34 carries, adding 49 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. Haskins is also a Michigan alum, and he played under Harbaugh when he was in a Wolverines uniform.
Jim Harbaugh on Chargers RB Hassan Haskins:
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) August 11, 2025
“Whenever you need a big run, Hassan’s just right there waiting to give it to you. Love the way he plays and runs the ball.” pic.twitter.com/ak1s4eXNVT
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No. 3B: Kimani Vidal
Vidal is also likely to fill Hampton's void during his IR stint. In Week 5 after the rookie exited, Vidal totaled four carries for 18 yards and one catch for one yard against Washington.
The second-year running back has been on the Chargers' practice squad, but in the wake of Najee Harris' injury, Vidal has been elevated in the past two weeks. Now, he should see a share of the starting-level snaps without Hampton.
Vidal was a 2024 sixth-round pick out of Troy. In his rookie year, he totaled 155 rushing yards on 43 carries, plus 62 receiving yards with a touchdown.
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No. 5: Amar Johnson
Harbaugh also mentioned rookie Amar Johnson when speaking about replacing Hampton's production on Monday, per ESPN. However, that would likely be a depth move, as Johnson has been on the practice squad this season.
The rookie out of South Dakota State totaled 1,222 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in his final NCAA season in 2024.
There is also a chance the Chargers still make an addition to their running back room, per ESPN, with the team considered "likely to bring in running backs for tryouts or explore trades." For now, Haskins and Vidal are set to share snaps with Johnson as a backup, but things could quickly change if L.A. makes a move prior to Week 6.