The Los Angeles Chargers are ready to tap the next man up after losing their first-round running back to a long-term injury.
The team announced this week that 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton was headed to injured reserve after sustaining an ankle injury last week. The team signed running back Kimani Vidal to the active roster from the practice squad, announcing before Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins that he would be dressed to play.
Vidal joined the Chargers as a sixth-round pick in 2024 and has 53 touches for 236 total yards and one touchdown in 12 career games.
Vidal said he was excited for the opportunity to contribute, even after a mediocre showing in the preseason.
“It felt good,” Vidal said, via the team’s official website. “I wish my preseason went better in some of those games. It was good to get out there and try to fight. … It was good to get in the game.”
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The Chargers are also expected to hand a larger role to Hassan Haskins, who has 303 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns through three NFL seasons. Haskins said he’s ready to help the team in whatever way they need him to replace Hampton.
“The type of guy I am, I’m always looking to get better, run better, whatever the coaches need me to do I’m going to get better,” Haskins said. “I feel like this week is going to be fun.”
“I’m preparing really well and I’m ready to go out there and play,” he added.
The Chargers added more depth to replace Vidal on the practice squad, signing veteran Nyheim Hines.
The team could rely more heavily on Justin Herbert and the passing attack while shoring up their depth in the backfield. The team already lost Najee Harris to a season-ending torn Achilles. Hampton is expected to return not long after the four-week mandatory time he will miss after being placed on injured reserve.
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