The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie running back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve immediately after he suffered an ankle injury in Week 5.
Hampton has missed each of the Chargers’ last four games, making him eligible to return from IR in Week 10.
That said, it appears the 6-3 Los Angeles squad will be forced to wait a few more weeks before the return of its first-year ball-carrier.
On Monday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he doesn’t expect Hampton to return to action until at least after the team’s Week 12 bye.
The No. 22 overall pick will miss Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and next Sunday’s Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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After a slow start to his rookie season, Hampton caught his stride in Week 4’s win over the New York Giants. In the 21-18 road victory, the former North Carolina standout took 12 carries for 128 yards and one touchdowns. He also got some strong work in the receiving game, catching five passes for 37 yards from quarterback Justin Herbert.
Through his first five games of NFL action, Hampton has 314 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and 136 receiving yards.
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With both Hampton and Najee Harris out, the Chargers have been forced to employ a makeshift running back depth chart. Second-year RB Kimani Vidal has been solid as Los Angeles’ lead back, recording more than 100 rushing yards in two of his four games as a starter.
Hampton’s next opportunity to return to the field will be a Week 13 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chargers’ primetime Week 10 matchup against the Steelers will kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET.