The Los Angeles Chargers kept pace in the AFC playoff race with a 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The victory earned them a season sweep of their division rival and improved their record to 8-4 on the season.
When the Chargers lost Najee Harris for the season, there were serious questions about the burden that rookie Omarion Hampton would have to carry. But he went down with an ankle injury just two weeks later and has not played since. Never fear, as Kimani Vidal is here.
Vidal, who was not even part of the team's initial 53-man roster, has been spectacular for the team. He registered his third 100-yard game of the season on Sunday, rushing for 126 yards on 25 carries. With the score tied 7-7 at halftime, he took this handoff early in the third quarter and created a play that changed the complexion of the game.
59 YARDS #probowlvote + kimani vidal
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 30, 2025
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/E1x0znVJB5
There was a chance that Hampton would return to the lineup for this game, but the team made the correct decision to hold off for one more week. The Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night and that is the game where we are likely to see the return of Hampton. But even when that happens, Vidal must be kept in a solid role on offense, as he has been way better than anyone, including this coaching staff, expected.
Vidal has rushed for 543 yards in relief this season and he is averaging 4.48 yards per carry. For a team that was down to its fourth option at running back (Hassan Haskins was the RB3 at one time), he has done an incredible job.
Jim Harbaugh's team continues to fight through the adversity of the ridiculous amount of injuries it has had to deal with this season, but Vidal has played as well as any of the players who have been forced into a bigger role.
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