Hampton had been one of the Chargers most productive offensive players before his injury, tallying 86 total touches for 450 yards and two touchdowns, really finding his footing through each game.
And when it comes to the backfield he’s returning to, the Bolts can’t help but be fired up about the 1-2 punch they can bring on the ground.
Kimani Vidal continues to shine, adding on a career-high performance against the Raiders, including a career-long touchdown run of 59 yards.
“The proof is in the pudding with the way he plays. It’s been great,” Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said. “He’s played like a No. 1 back.”
Vidal has held it down in the absence of Hampton since taking over in Week 6.
His 532 rushing yards rank 12th among running backs, as he has also ran for three touchdowns and tacked on 63 receiving yards.
“I would say it’s more motivating than anything knowing that I can do it,” Vidal said this week. “I just want to keep doing it.
“It feels good to contribute to the team,” Vidal added.
Vidal’s physicality has really shined as well, as he has forced 25 missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus, eighth-most among his position.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Vidal forced 12 missed tackles against the Raiders, the most by a Chargers player since the 2020 season, and gained 89 yards off missed tackles, the eighth-most by any player in a game this season.