Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers

As the Los Angeles Chargers navigate a crowded and injury-plagued running back room in the final month of the 2025 NFL season, the activation of rookie running back Omarion Hampton’s 21-day practice window marks a critical opportunity to bolster their offensive depth. Hampton, a fifth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, has been on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since training camp due to a hamstring injury sustained during preseason workouts. With Austin Ekeler sidelined by a knee sprain and Isaiah Spiller dealing with a minor knee tweak, the Chargers’ rushing attack has relied heavily on Joshua Kelley—making Hampton’s potential return a much-needed boost. Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers explores the details of this practice window, including what it means for Hampton’s recovery, how the team will integrate him into drills, and the timeline for a possible active roster spot. For a Chargers team fighting for a playoff spot, Hampton’s progress over the next three weeks could significantly impact their late-season success.

Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the logistics of the NFL’s PUP list rules, which govern Hampton’s return process. Under league regulations, players on the PUP list can be activated to a practice window at any point after Week 6, giving teams 21 days to evaluate their readiness before deciding to add them to the active roster or place them on season-ending injured reserve. For Hampton, the Chargers’ decision to open his window on November 24 aligns with his recent progress in individual rehab sessions—team trainers confirmed he’s been running at full speed, cutting without discomfort, and catching passes out of the backfield for the past two weeks. “Omarion has checked all the boxes in rehab,” Chargers head athletic trainer James Collins said. “He’s shown no signs of hamstring tightness, and his strength tests are back to his pre-injury levels. Opening the practice window now lets us see how he performs in team settings before we make a final call.” The window runs through December 14, giving Hampton three weeks of full-team practices to prove he’s ready for game action.

A key focus of Hampton’s practice window, highlighted in Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers, is the specific drills and reps the Chargers have planned to ease him into team work. In the first week, Hampton will participate in individual and group drills only—working with running backs coach Derrick Foster on pass protection, route running, and handoff timing with quarterbacks Justin Herbert and Easton Stick. He’ll also join special teams units for kickoff and punt return drills, as the Chargers view his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) as a potential asset in the return game. By the second week, Hampton is expected to take limited reps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 scrimmages, focusing on zone-running schemes that the Chargers use most frequently. “We’re not going to rush him into full reps right away,” Foster explained. “The goal is to build his endurance and make sure he’s comfortable with our playbook before he faces live defense. We’ll monitor his workload daily—tracking his reps, his recovery between drills, and how his hamstring feels after each practice.” The Chargers will also use GPS tracking to measure Hampton’s speed and acceleration, comparing the data to his preseason metrics to ensure he’s operating at full capacity.

Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers also delves into how his potential return could reshape the Chargers’ running back rotation—especially with Ekeler sidelined and Spiller limited. Before his injury, Hampton impressed coaches in training camp with his blend of power (220 pounds) and agility, excelling in short-yardage situations and catching passes out of the backfield. If he proves healthy, the Chargers could use him as a complementary back to Kelley, splitting reps based on game situations: Hampton in short-yardage and goal-line sets, and Kelley in passing downs. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this depth would ease the pressure on Herbert, who has been forced to throw more frequently due to the rushing attack’s struggles. “Having Omarion available would let us balance our offense again,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. “Right now, defenses know we’re likely to pass on third-and-short because we don’t have a true power back. Omarion changes that—he can convert those downs, which keeps our offense on the field and takes pressure off Justin.” The Chargers’ rushing attack ranks 22nd in the NFL over the last two games, but adding Hampton could help them climb back into the top 15.

Another important aspect of Hampton’s practice window, explored in Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers, is the team’s evaluation of his mental readiness—specifically, how well he’s retained the playbook during his time on the PUP list. Hampton has attended all team meetings and film sessions while injured, but translating that knowledge to on-field action is a different challenge. Coaches will test his understanding by calling plays randomly during drills and asking him to explain his assignments in post-practice meetings. “Mental reps are important, but nothing replaces live practice,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “We need to know that Omarion can hear a play call, recognize the defense, and make the right decision—whether that’s blocking a blitzer, cutting to an open lane, or catching a checkdown pass. That’s what we’ll be watching closely over the next three weeks.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, a mentally sharp Hampton would be a faster integration into the offense—avoiding the mistakes that often come with rookies learning on the fly. Hampton has also worked one-on-one with Ekeler during rehab sessions, studying the veteran’s approach to reading defenses and adjusting routes. “Austin’s been a great mentor,” Hampton said. “He’s helped me understand the little things—like how to set up a defender in the open field or how to communicate with the offensive line—that you don’t learn from film alone.”

Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with the possible outcomes of the 21-day period and what they mean for the Chargers’ playoff push. If Hampton performs well in practice and avoids setbacks, the Chargers will likely add him to the active roster by December 14, using a roster spot freed up by a practice squad elevation or injury designation. If he shows signs of fatigue or hamstring tightness, the team could place him on season-ending IR, preserving his eligibility for next year. Even if Hampton isn’t ready for immediate game action, the practice window gives the Chargers a head start on his development—letting him learn the offense and build chemistry with teammates before 2026. “This window is a win-win for us,” Staley said. “Either we get a healthy running back to help us now, or we get a jump on next season’s preparation for Omarion. Either way, it’s good for the team.” For Hampton, the window is a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL after a standout college career at North Carolina, where he rushed for 1,450 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since training camp,” Hampton said. “I’m ready to work, learn, and do whatever the team needs to help us win. This is why I came to the Chargers—to contribute to a playoff run.” In the end, Omarion Hampton's Practice Window for the Los Angeles Chargers is more than a recovery milestone—it’s a potential turning point for a team in need of offensive depth as they fight to keep their season alive.