The Los Angeles Chargers are officially in playoff mode, but comments from head coach Jim Harbaugh have caused some concern.
As Sports Illustrated noted, Harbaugh offered a notably cautious update on rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who has been dealing with an ankle injury.
“He’s doing everything and anything he can to get back as fast as he can.”
This phrase raised eyebrows given the timing and stakes of the postseason.
At first glance, Hampton’s absence from Week 18 looked like a simple precaution.
The Chargers sat multiple starters in the regular-season finale, leading many to believe the rookie was just getting some extra rest.
Harbaugh’s tone, however, suggests the ankle issue may be more significant than initially thought.
“I don’t have an update on anybody today,” Harbaugh added.
“Let the treatment occur and Wednesday we’ll be able to update on who’s participating in practice and in what capacity.”
Hampton’s Injury History Raises Questions
Hampton’s health has been a big storyline all season.
Earlier this season, the rookie landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
This disrupted an extremely promising rookie campaign.
During that stretch, the Chargers were forced to reshuffle their backfield.
They leaned on Kimani Vidal greatly when Hampton missed time.
Because of that history, the lack of clarity now could be seen as concerning.
The team has not confirmed whether this is the same ankle that previously sent Hampton to IR.
However, Harbaugh’s comments hint that the situation is more than rest or soreness.
Hampton’s explosiveness and versatility have been key elements of the Chargers’ offense when healthy, making his availability critical against the Patriots on Sunday.
If he’s limited or unavailable, the Chargers’ offensive approach would change dramatically.
Chargers Monitoring Multiple Injuries Ahead of Pats Matchup
Hampton isn’t the only health concern as the Chargers prepare to face the Patriots.
Backup running back Kimani Vidal, who filled in admirably during Hampton’s earlier absence, is just returning from a neck injury.
Hassan Haskins also appeared on the injury report last week, further complicating the backfield picture.
Behind them, the Chargers have Jaret Patterson on the active roster, with Royce Freeman and Amar Johnson available on the practice squad for emergency depth.
The Chargers did receive a small dose of positive injury news elsewhere.
Cornerback Donte Jackson was cleared to return after suffering an ankle injury in Week 18.
This is a very welcome sign for a defense that will need all its top pieces against an explosive Patriots offense.
The Chargers will practice Wednesday through Friday before traveling east, and those sessions should provide much-needed clarity on Hampton and others.
Maybe fans and media members are overreacting to the tone of Harbaugh’s comments.
But until we know for sure, the rookie’s status will be one of the most closely watched storylines as kickoff approaches.
Jim Harbaugh’s Comments Spark Omarion Hampton Injury Concern