Chargers RB depth chart after Omarion Hampton injury: Who starts now with Najee Harris and J.K. Dobbins?

The Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield is in turmoil after losing two key running backs to significant injuries. Najee Harris is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and now rookie Omarion Hampton has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

This leaves the Chargers with limited options at running back. With Harris and Hampton sidelined, the team must rely on Hassan Haskins and possibly elevate a player from the practice squad to fill the void.

Chargers RB Depth Chart Shakeup: Who’s the Next Man Up After Hampton’s Injury?

The Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield has taken another brutal hit with rookie Omarion Hampton landing on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. This comes just weeks after veteran Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The current RB depth chart looks precarious:

• J.K. Dobbins (projected RB1)
• Hassan Haskins
• Kimani Vidal (likely practice squad promotion)
• Amar Johnson (practice squad)

With both Harris and Hampton out, the Chargers must rely on injury-prone veteran J.K. Dobbins as their lead back. Dobbins, who has battled knee issues throughout his career, hasn’t carried a full workload since 2022. Behind him, Haskins offers limited upside while Vidal and Johnson are unproven rookies.

This backfield situation reminds me of the 2020 49ers when they lost four running backs to injury by Week 3. Harbaugh knows how to scheme around deficiencies, but this is extreme.

Do you think they’ll make a trade? The roster looks dangerously thin!

Is J.K. Dobbins Really the Answer for Chargers’ Running Game?

Examining his injury history and recent performance

J.K. Dobbins enters as the presumed starter, but his durability concerns loom large. The former Raven has:

Dobbins showed flashes in limited action this preseason, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However, asking him to handle 15+ touches weekly seems risky given his medical history. The Chargers’ power-run scheme demands physical backs who can wear down defenses – something Dobbins hasn’t proven he can sustain.

Will Chargers Sign a Veteran RB? Top Free Agent Options

With the trade deadline approaching, several veteran options could bolster the backfield:

• Leonard Fournette (power back familiar with Harbaugh’s system)
• Kareem Hunt (versatile third-down skills)
• Ezekiel Elliott (short-yardage specialist)

Fournette makes particular sense as he played under Harbaugh in Michigan and knows the gap-scheme concepts. At 30 years old, he wouldn’t command significant money and could provide 8-10 quality carries per game.

I’d prioritize Fournette over Hunt. This offense needs a battering ram, not another scat back.

But wouldn’t Hunt’s receiving skills help Herbert more? The checkdown game has been nonexistent!

Practice Squad Promotions: Can Kimani Vidal or Amar Johnson Step Up?

The Chargers have two developmental backs waiting in the wings:

Vidal impressed during preseason with his ability to break tackles, while Johnson offers more versatility as a pass-catcher. Neither has taken an NFL regular-season snap, making them risky options. However, Harbaugh has historically trusted young runners – see Frank Gore’s rookie season in San Francisco.

How Does This Affect Justin Herbert and the Passing Game?

The backfield instability creates ripple effects across the offense:

• Increased defensive focus on stopping the pass
• More empty sets with Herbert in shotgun
• Potential for increased QB runs/scrambles

Herbert’s play-action effectiveness may suffer without a credible run threat. Last season, play-action accounted for 35% of his passing yards – a number that could dip significantly. The Chargers might need to adopt more quick-game concepts to compensate.

Fantasy Football Impact: Which Chargers RB Should You Pick Up?

For fantasy managers scrambling for replacements:

• J.K. Dobbins (immediate starter but high injury risk)
• Hassan Haskins (goal-line vulture potential)
• Kimani Vidal (deep stash with highest upside)

Dobbins remains the safest play if healthy, but Vidal could emerge as the most valuable asset long-term. In dynasty leagues, Vidal is worth a speculative add given the Chargers’ willingness to give young backs opportunities.

I’d avoid this backfield entirely in redraft leagues. This feels like a full-blown committee approaching.

What about Herbert’s fantasy value? Does this make him more or less valuable?