Chargers place Omarion Hampton on IR, promote Kimani Vidal

The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie running back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve on Wednesday after he sustained an ankle injury late in Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders, the team said. Hampton will miss at least four games, a fresh blow to a backfield already without Najee Harris, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles.

Hampton left the game in the third quarter after colliding with a pass rusher and was seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot. The North Carolina product, a first round pick (22nd overall) in the 2025 draft, emerged as a primary offensive weapon through five games, rushing for 314 yards and two touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 136 yards. Head coach Jim Harbaugh called Hampton “a special player” and said the injury was unfortunate, adding that the rookie had been in a good rhythm.

In a corresponding roster move, the Chargers promoted running back Kimani Vidal from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. With the moves, Hassan Haskins and Vidal are the only running backs currently on the active roster. The team also signed veteran Nyheim Hines to the practice squad, adding experience at a thin position, and retains...