Omarion Hampton Injury Update: Will the Chargers RB Return After the Bye?

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has missed several weeks with an ankle injury, leaving fans asking the same question: is he coming back after the bye? The main concern now is whether the rookie power back will be ready for Week 13. This Omarion Hampton injury update brings together all confirmed details so far.

Hampton landed on injured reserve after suffering the ankle injury earlier in the season. With Najee Harris already out for the year, the Chargers’ backfield depth has taken a major hit. That makes Hampton’s potential return even more important as Los Angeles tries to stabilize its offense.

Where Omarion Hampton’s Recovery Stands Right Now

Hampton has been eligible to return from injured reserve since Week 10, but the Chargers have not yet designated him to come off IR. Head coach Jim Harbaugh previously said he expected Hampton’s 21-day return window to open after the team’s Week 12 bye. The Athletic noted that Harbaugh did not confirm Week 13 specifically, leaving the timeline flexible.

There have been encouraging signs. Hampton has been working on the side during practices and is no longer wearing a walking boot. These small but meaningful steps suggest his recovery is progressing well. In past seasons, players who reach this stage of rehab typically enter the activation window soon after, depending on how they respond to increased workload.

Trusted outlets such as The Athletic and AP have highlighted that the Chargers plan to reassess Hampton early next week. Monday’s press availability with Harbaugh may provide the next major update. If the team opens his 21-day practice window by Wednesday, that would indicate he is trending toward a December return.

Still, getting designated to return is only the first step. Hampton would then need to be activated to the 53-man roster before he can play. His participation level in practice—limited, full, or non-participant—will be the clearest indicator of whether Week 13 is realistic.

For the Chargers, even partial availability would help. The running game has struggled with efficiency since both Harris and Hampton went down, increasing pressure on the passing game. A healthy Hampton offers size, burst, and downhill strength the roster currently lacks.

How Hampton’s Return Could Shift the Chargers’ Offense

If Hampton returns soon, his impact could be felt quickly. The Chargers have leaned heavily on backups, and defenses have adjusted. Adding Hampton back into the rotation would give Harbaugh a more balanced offensive approach. Short-yardage situations and red zone possessions, where the team has faltered, could improve.

Fans online have been vocal about wanting Hampton back as soon as possible, especially with the playoff race tightening. A returning power runner could change how opponents defend Los Angeles late in the season. It would also relieve some pressure on the passing game, giving the offense different dimensions it has been lacking.

For now, the Omarion Hampton injury update remains cautiously optimistic. His status after the Week 12 bye will determine the next step. Chargers fans should expect more clarity early next week as the team evaluates whether Week 13 is realistic.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Omarion Hampton return in Week 13?

The team has not confirmed his Week 13 status. Harbaugh hinted his activation window may open after the bye, but the final decision depends on practice evaluations.

Q2: Is Omarion Hampton still on injured reserve?

Yes, he remains on IR as of now. He has been eligible to return since Week 10 but has not yet been designated for activation.

Q3: What injury is Omarion Hampton dealing with?

He suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season. The issue required several weeks of recovery and placed him on injured reserve.

Q4: How close is Hampton to returning?

He has been working on the side at practices and is out of the walking boot. These are positive signs, but he still needs clearance to resume full team work.

Q5: How would Hampton’s return help the Chargers?

His power running style fills a major need in the offense. He would boost short-yardage efficiency and restore balance to a backfield hit hard by injuries.