3. Vidal continues to shine

Another week, another career day for Kimani Vidal.

“He’s having a career year,” Salyer said.

The second-year running back put together another productive performance of 126 yards rushing on 25 attempts, topping his career mark of 124 he set in Week 6.

Vidal also scored a touchdown in the win, setting the tone after halftime with the 59-yard run.

It was his fourth game this season with at least 100 scrimmage yards and a score after not having any prior to assuming more responsibilities in Week 6.

After starting the year on the practice squad, Vidal once again continues to make the most of his opportunities.

“I’ve always felt very confident that I could play in this league at a high level,” Vidal said after the game.

He later added: “Whatever comes my way, I’m just trying to do my best.”

Vidal gave the Chargers offense a boost in the ground game early and often, but none bigger than his big run on the first drive of the second half.

Facing a third-and 2 on his own 41-yard line, Vidal got the ball to the left side with Salyer leading the way in front of him.

And after the offensive lineman and wide receiver Tre’ Harris opened the lane, the running back made one more defender miss to give the Chargers a lead they never relinquished.

“I knew Tre’ was going to make his block, he has all season,” Vidal said. “I set Jamaree up and it was a 1-on-1 situation.

“I was just running,” he added.

The career-long run was the longest rushing touchdown by a Chargers player since late in the 2022 season and brought incredible momentum to the team coming out of the half.

Whether it’s breaking long runs or getting the tough yards, Vidal has impressed in all ways.

“It was a huge day for Kimani … gave us a huge spark – one of the great runs and he did that all game,” Harbaugh said. “He was really good in protection as well.”

Salyer added: “He’s insane. It’s very difficult to knock him back because he’s so low. He runs hard and he makes us right a lot of times. We leave one unblocked and he going for four or five extra yards. He’s rolling back there.”

With Omarion Hampton likely to return soon having returned to practice last week, the Chargers backfield will have some dynamic options.

Considering the level Vidal is playing at and what Hampton showed before the injury, there’s a buzz around what that combo could be heading into December and beyond.

“It feels great,” Vidal said. “I’m pretty certain Coach [Greg Roman] and Coach [Kiel McDonald] have all the confidence in us. We just want to prove him right.”

Salyer added: “I’m excited to see him and Omarion be that 1-2 [punch]. Thunder and lightning, it’s going to be nice.”