Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) breaks a tackle by New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) in action before Hampton’s ankle injury. Hampton has started practicing again. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Associated Press
The Chargers could get a boost during Raiders Week.
Rookie Los Angeles running back Omarion Hampton returned to practice on Tuesday after missing six games with an ankle injury.
Hampton, the team’s first-round pick, started his 21-day practice windows to assess his progress. It’s possible Hampton could be activated when the Chargers welcome the Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers (7-4) have been so-so since Hampton exited, going 4-2 in his absence. But L.A., which is coming off its bye week and is in second place in the AFC West, seeks to rebound from its worst loss of the season, a 35-6 stinker against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
L.A. will embrace a healthy Hampton for a rushing attack that ranks No. 17 in the NFL, averaging 115.7 yards per game. Not only would a run game expand the Chargers’ options, it would also aid battered quarterback Justin Herbert.
Hampton has rushed for 314 yards and two touchdowns and shown flashes as to why L.A. called his number with the 22nd overall selection. When fit, Hampton will supplant Kimani Vidal as the lead back.
Hampton was slated to split carries with Najee Harris, a free-agent acquisition, but he sustained a season-ending Achilles injury. Hassan Haskins (hamstring), another running back, remains on the Injured Reserve list.
The Chargers, currently the No. 5 seed for the AFC playoffs, are a 9.5-point favorite to complete a season-sweep of the last-place Raiders.