The Los Angeles Chargers received another concerning update on running back Omarion Hampton’s status Thursday.
The rookie failed to practice for a second straight day despite earlier optimism from the coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said earlier today that Hampton would be “involved some” during Thursday’s practice.
This raised the hopes of many that he could begin trending toward availability for Sunday night’s playoff opener against the New England Patriots.
Instead, according to CBS Sports, Hampton was officially listed as a non-participant.
This marks another missed practice session after he also sat out Wednesday.
The shift in Hampton’s practice outlook is significant, especially with the Chargers now one day closer to having to assign injury designations.
While Roman noted Hampton remains mentally engaged with the game plan, the lack of on-field work has added legitimate uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Hampton’s Injury Status Growing More Concerning
At this stage of the week, two straight missed practices rarely bode well for a player’s chances of suiting up.
But in a playoff setting, anything is on the table.
If there is any possible way Hampton could play, he will.
He now has just one more opportunity on Friday to log any type of practice participation before the Chargers finalize their injury report.
Even a limited session Friday would be a meaningful step forward.
However, if Hampton is again sidelined, his status for Sunday night would be firmly in doubt.
Hampton originally suffered the ankle injury during the Chargers’ matchup against the Texans.
Early signs suggested it wasn’t overly serious.
He was held out of the Week 18 game against the Broncos largely as a precaution.
This was a move that at the time didn’t raise major red flags because the Chargers rested most of their guys.
However, with Hampton now missing multiple practices late in the week ahead of the playoffs, the injury is beginning to draw more concern than they initially thought.
How the Chargers Could Adjust If Hampton Is Out
If Hampton is unable to play or is limited, the Chargers would turn again to Kimani Vidal as the primary ball-carrier.
This would be much like they did earlier in the season when Hampton was sidelined.
In games Hampton missed, Vidal handled a heavier workload and was effective.
He had a breakout performance of 18 carries for 124 yards against the Dolphins.
He also had games of 23 carries for 117 yards against Minnesota and 25 carries for 126 yards against the Raiders.
The Chargers showed that they could lean on Vidal to stabilize the offense rather than completely overhauling their game plan.
Hampton has provided an important spark in the backfield when healthy, but his absence wouldn’t be the end all be all.
They have already shown they’re comfortable with Vidal as the lead option, with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson mixing in situationally.
For now, the Chargers remain in wait-and-see mode.
Friday’s practice looms as a critical checkpoint, one that could determine whether Hampton can play on Sunday.
Chargers Get Worrying Omarion Hampton Update After Coach’s Optimism Falls Flat