Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers’ rushing attack, which has struggled with inconsistency since Week 9, has received a major boost: the team’s medical staff has officially opened the return window for rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who has been sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain since a Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Hampton, a fifth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, emerged as a key contributor early in the season, tallying 320 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 4.8 yards-per-carry average before his injury. His potential return—slated to begin with Week 17’s game against the Broncos—comes at a critical time, as the Chargers fight to stay relevant in a tight AFC playoff race. Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers explores the details of Hampton’s recovery, how his return will reshape the Chargers’ running game, and what it means for the team’s late-season aspirations.

Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the context of Hampton’s injury and the careful rehab process that has led to this return window. Hampton suffered the hamstring strain in the third quarter of the Chargers’ Week 10 loss to the Broncos, pulling up lame while attempting a 15-yard run. An MRI later confirmed a Grade 2 strain—damage to the muscle fibers that typically requires 4–6 weeks of recovery, as opposed to a milder Grade 1 strain (2–3 weeks) or a severe Grade 3 tear (surgery, 8+ weeks). Under the guidance of Chargers head athletic trainer James Collins, Hampton’s rehab focused on three phases: initial rest and inflammation reduction (Weeks 11–12), gradual strength building (Weeks 13–14), and sport-specific drills (Weeks 15–16). “Omarion checked every box in rehab,” Collins said in a press release. “He’s passed all functional tests—including speed drills, cutting exercises, and full-contact scrimmages—without any pain or tightness. Opening his return window was a natural next step, and we’re confident he’s ready to contribute when called upon.” The Chargers’ decision to wait the full 6 weeks, rather than rushing Hampton back, reflects their priority on avoiding a re-injury—a risk that increases significantly with hamstring strains if players return too soon.

A second key angle is the impact of Hampton’s absence on the Chargers’ running game and why his return is so timely. Without Hampton, the Chargers have relied heavily on veteran Joshua Kelley and backup Isaiah Spiller, who have combined for 420 rushing yards over the last 5 weeks but averaged just 3.9 yards per carry—well below Hampton’s 4.8 mark. The run game’s inefficiency has forced the Chargers to lean more on quarterback Justin Herbert’s passing, making the offense predictable and increasing Herbert’s exposure to sacks (he’s been sacked 12 times in Hampton’s absence, compared to 8 in the first 10 weeks). Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore acknowledged the struggle, saying, “We’ve missed Omarion’s ability to break tackles and create yards after contact. He’s a physical runner who can handle 15–20 carries a game, which takes pressure off Justin and opens up play-action passes. Having him back will let us balance our offense again.” The timing is especially crucial: the Chargers’ final two regular-season games are against the Broncos (Week 17) and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 18)—both teams with top-15 run defenses. Hampton’s ability to grind out yards could be the difference between winning and losing in these low-scoring, divisional matchups.

Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers also includes the Chargers’ plan for easing Hampton back into action, which prioritizes caution while still leveraging his talent for the Los Angeles Chargers. NFL rules allow teams to open a 21-day return window for players on injured reserve, meaning Hampton can practice with the team for up to three weeks before the Chargers must either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him back on injured reserve for the season. Head coach Brandon Staley has indicated the team will take a “gradual approach” during this window. “We won’t throw Omarion into 20 carries in Week 17,” Staley said in a press conference. “Our plan is to use him in a rotational role first—maybe 8–10 touches against Denver—to let him get his rhythm back. As he builds confidence and we see no setbacks, we’ll increase his workload. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the goal is to have him fully integrated by Week 18, when we could be playing for a playoff spot.” This rotation will also allow the Chargers to keep Kelley fresh; Kelley has averaged 18 carries per game in Hampton’s absence, a workload that increases his risk of fatigue or injury. By splitting carries, the Chargers can maintain a more effective, sustainable running game down the stretch.

Another important dimension is Hampton’s mindset heading into his return and how his rookie season has prepared him for this moment with the Los Angeles Chargers. For Hampton, the injury was a frustrating detour in a promising first NFL season—one that began with him competing for a backup role but quickly evolved into a starting spot thanks to his preseason performance. During his rehab, Hampton worked closely with Kelley and Spiller, studying game film and sharing insights about opposing defenses—a move that strengthened the running back room’s chemistry. “I didn’t want to just sit on the sidelines; I wanted to contribute however I could,” Hampton said in an interview with the Chargers’ official website. “Josh and Isaiah helped me stay locked in, and now I’m ready to jump back in and help this team win. This injury taught me patience, but it also made me hungrier. I know what this team is capable of, and I want to be part of it.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Hampton’s maturity and work ethic have been just as impressive as his on-field talent—qualities that have endeared him to coaches and teammates alike. His return isn’t just about adding a playmaker; it’s about reintroducing a player who brings energy and unity to the offense.

Finally, Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the long-term implications of Hampton’s return for the Chargers’ playoff hopes and their future at the running back position. If the Chargers can win their final two games, they have a realistic shot at securing a wild-card spot—something that would have been far less likely without Hampton’s return. His performance down the stretch will also shape the Chargers’ offseason plans: Kelley is set to become a free agent, and Spiller has yet to prove he can be a full-time starter. A strong finish from Hampton could solidify him as the Chargers’ No. 1 running back in 2025, potentially saving the team from spending heavily in free agency or the draft. “Omarion has the potential to be a long-term piece for us,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s a young, physical runner who fits our offense, and this return window is a chance for him to show what he can do in high-pressure situations. For the Los Angeles Chargers, every game from here on out is a test—and Omarion’s return gives us another weapon to pass that test.” As Hampton takes the field for his first practice in six weeks, the Chargers and their fans are left with a renewed sense of hope—hope that a rookie running back’s return could be the spark that propels the team to the playoffs. Omarion Hampton's Return Window Opens for the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that in the NFL, timely recoveries can turn seasons around—and for the Chargers, Hampton’s return might be exactly the break they need.