Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield, already navigating a season of ups and downs, faced an unexpected setback in Week 11 when reserve running back Omarion Hampton suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain during a practice drill—an injury that sidelined him for four weeks and forced the team to reshuffle its rushing attack. Hampton, a rookie undrafted free agent who had emerged as a reliable backup to Austin Ekeler, brought a physical, short-yardage style that complemented Ekeler’s versatility. His absence didn’t just create a gap in depth; it disrupted the Chargers’ game plan, which had begun to rely on Hampton for goal-line carries and third-down conversions. Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down the injury’s timeline, its impact on the team’s offense, and how the Chargers adapted to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers starts with the moment the injury occurred and the immediate response from the Chargers’ medical staff. During a Wednesday practice ahead of the Chargers’ Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos, Hampton was participating in a 1-on-1 blocking drill against linebacker Chris Rumph II. As Hampton planted his right foot to make a cut, he stumbled, and his ankle rolled inward—an awkward motion that left him writhing in pain on the field. The Chargers’ athletic training staff rushed over, immobilizing his ankle with a brace and helping him off the field for further evaluation. Initial on-field tests suggested a sprain, but an MRI later that day confirmed a Grade 2 injury—damage to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) with partial tearing, requiring rest, physical therapy, and no surgical intervention. “It was a non-contact injury, which is always tough,” said Chargers head athletic trainer Tom McMahon. “Omarion was moving well in practice, but one misstep led to this. We’re focusing on a structured recovery to get him back as soon as possible, but we won’t rush him.”

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers focuses on the injury’s immediate impact on the Chargers’ backfield depth chart—a problem that became apparent in their Week 11 loss to the Broncos. With Hampton sidelined, the Chargers were left with just two healthy running backs: Ekeler and rookie Elijah Dotson, who had logged only 12 offensive snaps all season. The lack of depth forced Ekeler into a heavier workload: he played 82% of the offensive snaps against the Broncos, rushing 22 times for 78 yards and catching 6 passes for 45 yards. While Ekeler performed admirably, the fatigue showed in the fourth quarter: he fumbled a handoff near the Broncos’ 10-yard line, costing the Chargers a potential touchdown. The Chargers also struggled in short-yardage situations—an area where Hampton had excelled. On three third-and-1 plays, the Chargers failed to convert, relying on Ekeler’s speed instead of Hampton’s power to push through the line. “We felt Omarion’s absence most in those critical moments,” said Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. “He was our go-to guy when we needed one yard to keep a drive alive. Without him, we had to adjust, and it didn’t always work.”

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers delves into the adjustments the Los Angeles Chargers made to compensate for Hampton’s absence—including signing a veteran running back to add depth. Just two days after Hampton’s injury was diagnosed, the Chargers signed free agent Sony Michel, a former Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots who had spent the 2023 season out of the league. Michel, known for his between-the-tackles running style, was activated for Week 12 and immediately slotted into Hampton’s role: he rushed 8 times for 32 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs, including a 4-yard carry on third-and-1 that converted a key first down. The Chargers also modified their playcalling, using more two-tight end sets to create extra blocking for Ekeler and Michel, and relying on play-action passes to avoid short-yardage rushing situations. “Signing Sony was a quick fix, but it’s working,” said Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. “He knows the league, he’s a professional, and he’s stepped in to give us the physicality we lost with Omarion. For the Los Angeles Chargers, adaptability is key, and this is a prime example of that.” While Michel didn’t replicate Hampton’s production, he provided much-needed relief for Ekeler, who saw his snap count drop to 65% in Week 12.

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers explores Hampton’s recovery progress and the timeline for his return—updates that the Los Angeles Chargers have shared to manage fan and team expectations. In the weeks following his injury, Hampton focused on three phases of recovery: reducing swelling with cryotherapy and compression therapy, restoring range of motion with physical therapy exercises (like ankle circles and resistance band work), and building strength in his lower leg with calf raises and balance drills. By Week 13, he was able to walk without a brace and participate in light jogging drills on the side field during practice. The Chargers’ medical staff targeted Week 15 for a potential return, but they emphasized that Hampton would need to pass a series of tests—including cutting drills and full-contact scrimmages—before being activated. “Omarion is making good progress, but we’re taking it one day at a time,” McMahon said. “We won’t clear him until he’s 100%—not just physically, but mentally ready to handle the rigors of an NFL game. For the Los Angeles Chargers, his long-term health is more important than rushing him back for a single game.” Hampton echoed that sentiment in a brief interview, saying, “I’m doing everything the staff tells me. I want to be back, but I don’t want to risk re-injuring it. The team needs me at my best.”

Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with the long-term implications of the injury for both Hampton and the Los Angeles Chargers—lessons learned about depth and resilience. For Hampton, the injury was a setback in his quest to secure a permanent role on the Chargers’ roster, but it also showed the team his commitment to recovery. “Omarion’s work ethic during this process has been impressive,” Staley said. “He’s in the facility every day, working with the trainers, watching film, and staying engaged with the team. That’s the kind of player we want here.” For the Chargers, the injury highlighted the importance of having quality depth at every position—a lesson they’ve taken to heart by re-signing Michel to a one-year contract extension in the offseason. The injury also forced Ekeler to adapt, as he took on more responsibility in short-yardage situations, improving his conversion rate from 60% to 72% in Hampton’s absence. “Every adversity is an opportunity to grow,” Ekeler said. “Losing Omarion was tough, but it pushed me to become a more complete running back. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this injury was a challenge, but we’ve come out stronger because of it.” As the Chargers look ahead to the playoffs, Hampton’s potential return will provide a boost to their backfield, but the team has already proven that it can thrive even when key players are sidelined. In the end, Omarion Hampton's Ankle Injury Hits the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of resilience—for a rookie fighting to come back, and for a team learning to adapt to unexpected obstacles.