The Los Angeles Chargers have been ravaged by injuries in 2025, putting a huge blemish on a 3-0 start as the team is now 3-2 following a 27-10 loss at home to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
During the game, rookie running back Omarion Hampton, one of the few bright spots in the loss, left the game with what was reported as an ankle injury. He did not return and after the game, he was seen wearing a walking boot.
Naturally, that is going to lead to some fearing the worst and for Chargers fans to wonder what will be next at running back, considering Najee Harris has already been lost for the season.
While official word on Hampton's injury is sure to come soon, there may be reason to believe that things may not be so serious, at least if you believe the word of a couple of the doctors on X (formerly Twitter).
Based on video review, Omarion Hampton’s injury doesn’t appear to be long-term. However, the Chargers’ offensive line remains severely depleted. pic.twitter.com/wPodH2EoLj
— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 6, 2025
Walking boots can often be for precautionary use to minimize load bearing and accelerate initial healing.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 6, 2025
Doesn’t dictate severity.
The downside is we probably won’t get much info out of Jim Harbaugh regarding Omarion Hampton’s status.
Practice status will be key for Wk6. https://t.co/T8T7t8y6KL
There are some solid points made there. Hampton may have just been in intense pain rather than having an injury he couldn't come back from and the Chargers may have chosen to let him sit out the rest of the game, which was becoming out of hand, rather than risk it getting worse.
Walking boots are often precautionary as well, rather than an ominous sign that it's a major injury.
It is certainly concerning, particularly for a team that has already seen significant injuries to Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Khalil Mack this season in addition to Harris.
If Hampton is forced to miss multiple weeks, the Chargers are going to have a significant issue. Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson would be the only running backs remaining on the roster, and that includes the practice squad. The team would obviously need to consider finding a new running back through outside means but the options on the free-agent market are going to be slim, meaning the team may need to consider a bold trade.
Chargers fans will be sitting on pins and needles awaiting the word on Hampton's status. Perhaps there is hope in the words of David Chao and Jeff Mueller.
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