Who Is Omarion Hampton?
Omarion Hampton is a promising young running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
At 6 feet and 221 pounds, the North Carolina product made waves in college — notably earning first-team All-ACC honors and putting together a dominant rushing career.
In his rookie NFL season, he showed versatility and explosiveness, combining both rushing and receiving skills.
What Happened: The Injury
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Hampton suffered an ankle injury during the Chargers’ Week 5 game against the Washington Commanders.
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After the game, he was seen in a walking boot, signaling that the injury was significant.
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On October 6, 2025, the Chargers officially placed Hampton on Injured Reserve (IR), which requires a minimum absence of four games.
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Head Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the IR placement and noted Hampton will return “as soon as he can” after the mandatory time away.
When Will He Return?
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Although Hampton became eligible to come off IR by Week 10, the Chargers haven’t immediately opened his practice window.
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According to team sources, Harbaugh doesn’t expect Hampton’s return until after the team’s Week 12 bye.
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That places a more realistic target for his on-field comeback around Week 13, assuming his recovery continues to go well.
Is He Coming Back This Season?
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Yes — the injury does not appear to be season-ending.
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Some analysts and medical observers believe his ankle issue might be a high-ankle sprain, which typically requires more recovery time than a standard sprain.
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There are no indications (so far) of surgical intervention; he seems to be rehabbing conservatively with rest, boot, and gradual rehab.
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Harbaugh has expressed optimism: “Omarion … looks like he’s getting better every day.”
Impact on the Chargers & Fantasy Football
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Hampton’s absence is a big blow to the Chargers’ offense, especially given the injury to Najee Harris earlier in the season.
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Without him, the team is relying more on Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal in the backfield.
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From a fantasy football perspective, Hampton’s injury is concerning but not catastrophic: he’s still viewed by many as having strong upside once he returns.
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Analysts suggest he has a chance to come back around Week 13 or 14, but whether he plays right away depends on his health and how aggressively the Chargers activate him.
Risks and Considerations
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High-ankle sprains (if that’s what it is) can be tricky — recovery is often longer, and players may not be 100% immediately on return.
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If his practice window opens but he’s not yet game-ready, the Chargers might be conservative and delay activation to avoid re-injury.
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There’s always a risk in play-calling: whether the Chargers ease him back in or lean on him heavily will be a key decision for the coaching staff.
Final Thoughts
Omarion Hampton’s injury is a significant setback for both him and the Chargers, but current information suggests his season is not over. With a return likely after the Week 12 bye, his comeback will be closely monitored by fans, fantasy managers, and team insiders alike.
If he returns healthy, Hampton still has the potential to be a foundational piece in the Chargers’ offense. However, much will depend on how well he rehabs, how his ankle responds under football stress, and how the team manages his return.
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