Chargers to Be Without Dynamic Rookie Hampton for at Least Four Weeks

The Los Angeles Chargers have now faced consecutive defeats, and with these losses, injuries have heavily plagued this team. Their Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders, a 27–10 defeat, was compounded by yet another significant injury setback. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton was seen wearing a walking boot after the game—a clear sign of a serious injury that could hinder the Chargers’ offensive efforts moving forward.

On Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh shared a grim update, confirming that Hampton will be placed on Injured Reserve (IR) due to an ankle injury. This move means Hampton will be sidelined for at least four weeks, in accordance with NFL IR rules. The injury happened late in the third quarter during a critical fourth-and-2 play with just 1:53 left on the clock. Hampton stumbled over Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu and immediately began limping off the field, underscoring the seriousness of the injury.

Hampton’s absence is particularly troubling given his outstanding contributions so far this season. Since Week 3, he has become one of the league’s most effective offensive weapons, ranking third in yards from scrimmage behind only prominent players like Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. In the recent matchup against Washington, Hampton was on pace for another strong outing, having already amassed 70 scrimmage yards before exiting early. Losing such a dynamic playmaker is a major blow for the Chargers, who must now modify their offensive approach as they strive to regain their early-season form.

Compounding the concern is the expanding roster of key players sidelined by injury this season. Alongside Hampton, the Chargers are also dealing with the absence of Austin Ekeler; outside linebacker Khalil Mack—still on injured reserve with an elbow problem; and offensive tackle Joe Alt, who sat out Sunday’s game with a high right ankle sprain. Perhaps most notably, left tackle Rashawn Slater saw his season cut short by a devastating patellar tendon rupture. This mounting injury crisis has put significant pressure on the Chargers’ depth and chemistry, making the challenge of recovering from recent losses all the more formidable.