The Los Angeles Chargers are going to need a plan B at running back, and maybe even a plan C.
The team received a huge game from Kimani Vidal on Sunday as the second-year running back rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries while also catching a touchdown pass. Not bad for a guy who has spent much of his career as a healthy scratch and on the practice squad.
The Chargers came into the season planning on having a one-two punch at running back featuring Najee Harris and first-round pick, Omarion Hampton. However, Harris was lost for the season and Hampton was recently placed on injured reserve.
The hope was that Hampton would just miss about four games and the team could get by with the likes of Vidal and Hassan Haskins. However, shortly after the team defeated the Miami Dolphins 29-27 on Sunday, a report came out from NFL insider Mike Garafolo that Hampton will miss much more time.
🚨UPDATEOmarion Hampton injury is Expected to keep him out until Week 10. Chargers also have a bye in Week 12, so we could be looking at a Week 13 return.This is why the RB trade have rumors have been swirling in LA. pic.twitter.com/kwpkHDxgfq
— My Mind Is A Weapon FF (@SleezBomb) October 12, 2025
Reports on Saturday night suggested that the Chargers are "canvassing the league" looking for a trade to get another running back in the mix before the November 4 trade deadline, and there is likely plenty of truth to that.
The Chargers were able to get by the Dolphins on Sunday, but the Dolphins have been one of the lowest-performing teams in the league this season. How much longer will the Chargers be able to get by with a backfield of Vidal and Hassan Haskins?
The team is going to need to identify another option to help support those players and even when Hampton returns to the lineup, the team needs to have a viable backup option on the roster.
This is going to be an interesting situation to follow. There are some options for the team to trade for and veterans such as Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook are still out on the open market. Those would be moves made on the desperate side of things, but the team does need to figure something out if Hampton is going to miss a big chunk of time.
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