Omarion Hampton injury update: Rookie RB has 21-day practice window opened after missing 6 games with ankle issue

The Los Angeles Chargers are locked in a tight playoff race in the AFC, but help is on the way. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton had his practice window opened Tuesday, a sign he could return in the next couple weeks, per multiple reports.

Hampton, 22, hasn't played since Week 5 due to an ankle injury. He's missed the team's last six games due to the issue. The Chargers have gone 4-2 with Hampton sidelined.

After a modest start to the 2025 NFL season, Hampton was starting to emerge before the ankle injury disrupted his season. The first-rounder rushed for 70 yards in a Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos, and then broke out for a 128-yard performance against the New York Giants the following week.

Just as Hampton appeared to take control of the backfield, he was injured. Hampton rushed 12 times for 44 yards vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 5. The rookie left the game early and was placed on Injured Reserve after the contest.

In Hampton's absence, Kimani Vidal has been used as the team's primary running back. Vidal has shown flashes of excellence in the role, rushing for at least 95 yards in three of his six starts. In his three other starts, however, Vidal has been limited to 30 rushing yards or fewer.

The Chargers' running-game inconsistency hasn't held the team back. Quarterback Justin Herbert has mostly kept the team afloat, throwing for multiple touchdowns in four of the team's last six games. Through 11 contests, Herbert has 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He sits second on the team in rushing with 345 yards, trailing only Vidal.

This story will be updated.