The Los Angeles Chargers made some major acquisitions to their offense this offseason, which have helped the team achieve a 2-0 start to the 2025 season, but one position group has not lived up to the expectations hoped for them.
The Bolts signed running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract after rushing in four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to share snaps in the backfield this season. Yet, the players haven’t been able to produce on the field.
In his first two games as a professional, Hampton has rushed for 72 yards on 23 carries. Harris has received less of the running back load with only 9 carries for 33 yards. Currently, quarterback Justin Herbert is the second leading rusher on the team with 63 yards.
Harris and Hampton are the only two running backs who have seen snaps so far this season, with one NFL writer calling the running back group the team’s biggest problem.
Running Back Struggles?
GettyLos Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton
The Chargers this season have been a passing team, as they have scored five touchdowns via pass and zero by run. The Bolts currently have three receiving threats who have over 100 receiving yards, showing signs of a pass-heavy offense.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon released a list of all the team’s biggest problems after two weeks, naming the Chargers‘ running backs.
Khalil Mack’s injury is an issue, and Rashawn Slater’s continues to play a role as well for a Chargers team that is undefeated early on despite the absence of those veterans,” Gagnon wrote. “But the Bolts defense is strong enough to survive without Mack, who has hit injured reserve but isn’t expected to be out too long. And Joe Alt’s strong play has helped with the Slater blow. Yet, rookie first-round back Omarion Hampton has just 72 yards on 23 carries, while veteran Najee Harris has just 33 on nine for a LA team that has failed to get anything going on the ground through two weeks.
The Chargers are in great shape overall, but that lack of offensive balance is worth monitoring ahead of a huge Week 3 matchup with Denver.
Los Angeles currently has one more running back on the roster, Hassan Haskins, but it is unlikely he will take snaps over Harris and Hampton.
Settling Into The Offense
GettyLos Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton
Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton are entering a new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
Harris suffered an eye injury before the start of the season that kept him out part of training camp and allowing Hampton to receive more of the rushing attempts for Los Angeles.
Hampton is a rookie and could be getting his nerves out in the first few weeks before gaining confidence in the season.
Once the running back duo settles into the scheme, they could be one of the more dominant running back duos in the league.
Chargers Running Back Group Labeled A Problem