Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers

As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for the final stretch of the 2025 NFL playoffs, speculation has grown around the potential return of rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who was placed on the practice squad injured reserve (PSIR) in Week 17 due to a mild knee sprain. Hampton, a fifth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, had emerged as a valuable depth piece in the Chargers’ running back room earlier in the season, filling in for injured starters Austin Ekeler and Isaiah Spiller with 320 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in limited action. With the Chargers set to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round, Hampton’s potential return could provide a much-needed boost to an offense that has relied heavily on Ekeler in recent weeks. Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers explores the latest updates on his injury recovery, the team’s need for additional running back depth, and how his return might reshape the Chargers’ playoff offensive strategy. For Chargers fans, Hampton’s possible comeback represents another layer of resilience for a team that has already overcome numerous injury challenges this season.

Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the current state of his injury recovery, which has progressed faster than initially expected. When Hampton was placed on PSIR in Week 17, the Chargers’ medical staff estimated a 3-4 week recovery timeline—a window that aligns with the team’s playoff schedule. In recent days, sources close to the team have reported that Hampton has resumed light practice activities, including jogging, cutting drills, and catching passes out of the backfield, without experiencing discomfort. The Chargers’ training staff has also cleared him for contact simulations, a key step in determining if a player is ready for game action. “Omarion has checked all the boxes so far,” said Chargers head athletic trainer James Collins in a recent press briefing. “We’re taking a cautious approach, but his progress has been impressive. We’ll continue to monitor him closely in the coming days, but he’s on track to be a candidate for activation if we advance further in the playoffs.” Hampton himself has remained optimistic, posting a video of his rehab drills on social media with the caption, “Taking it one day at a time—can’t wait to be back with the guys.”

A critical factor in Hampton’s potential return is the Chargers’ current need at the running back position, as highlighted in Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers. While Ekeler has returned to full health and has been productive (110 rushing yards and 1 touchdown in the Chargers’ Wild Card win over the Buffalo Bills), he has also been handling a heavy workload—averaging 22 carries per game over the last three weeks. Spiller, who served as Ekeler’s backup earlier in the season, is still recovering from a ankle sprain and has been limited to special teams duties in the playoffs. This has left the Chargers with only Joshua Kelley as the primary backup, and Kelley has struggled with fumbles (2 in his last 3 games) and inconsistent production. Adding Hampton back to the roster would allow the Chargers to reduce Ekeler’s carries, keeping him fresh for the later stages of the playoffs, and provide a more reliable backup option. “Having Omarion available would give us much-needed flexibility,” said Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. “Austin is our workhorse, but we don’t want to wear him down. Omarion can step in and contribute in short-yardage situations or on passing downs, which takes some pressure off Austin.”

Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers also delves into how Hampton’s playing style would complement the Chargers’ playoff offense. Hampton, who stands at 6-foot-0 and 220 pounds, is a power runner who excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations—areas where the Chargers have struggled at times this season (they rank 15th in the NFL in red-zone rushing touchdowns). His size and strength would be particularly valuable against the Ravens’ defense, which ranks 8th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (98.5) and is known for its physicality at the line of scrimmage. Hampton also has experience as a pass-catcher, having recorded 8 receptions for 65 yards during the regular season, which would allow the Chargers to use him in checkdown situations to keep Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s offense off the field. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Hampton’s skill set aligns perfectly with the team’s playoff strategy of controlling the clock and limiting opponents’ offensive opportunities. “Omarion brings a different element to our running game,” said head coach Brandon Staley. “He’s a physical runner who can move the chains and help us stay on offense. That’s crucial against a team like Baltimore, which has a dynamic offense that we need to keep off the field as much as possible.”

Another key consideration in Hampton’s potential return is the Chargers’ roster flexibility, which would allow them to activate him without sacrificing other key players. Under NFL playoff rules, teams can activate up to two players from injured reserve or practice squad injured reserve per game, and the Chargers currently have one open spot on their 53-man roster (vacated by defensive tackle Austin Johnson, who was placed on IR with a knee injury). Activating Hampton would not require the team to cut any active players, making the decision a low-risk one. The Chargers could also choose to elevate Hampton from the practice squad to the active roster for the Ravens game, a move that would not count against their IR activations and would allow them to keep their options open for future games. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this roster flexibility makes Hampton’s potential return even more feasible, as it allows the team to add depth without disrupting their current lineup. “We have the roster space to bring Omarion back, which is a luxury,” said general manager Tom Telesco. “We’ll make the decision based on what’s best for the team, but having that flexibility gives us more options. Our goal is to put the best possible team on the field each week, and Omarion could be a part of that.”

Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with a look at the potential impact of his comeback on the team’s playoff morale and championship aspirations. The Chargers have already become a story of resilience this season, with key players like Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, and J.C. Jackson overcoming injuries to return to the field. Hampton’s return would add another chapter to that story, serving as a reminder of the team’s depth and perseverance. For Hampton himself, a playoff return would be a significant milestone in his rookie season, allowing him to contribute to a potential Super Bowl run after spending much of the season recovering from injuries. “This is why I came to the Chargers—to play in big games and help the team win championships,” Hampton said in a recent interview. “If I get the chance to be back, I’ll give it everything I have. I owe it to my teammates, the coaches, and the fans who have supported me.” As the Chargers prepare for their matchup against the Ravens, all eyes will be on Hampton’s practice participation and the team’s final roster decision. Whether he returns or not, his potential comeback is a testament to the Chargers’ ability to overcome adversity—and a sign that they have the depth and determination to compete for a Super Bowl title. In the end, Omarion Hampton's Potential Return to the Los Angeles Chargers isn’t just about one player—it’s about a team that refuses to let injuries define their season, and a rookie who is ready to step up when his team needs him most.