Los Angeles Chargers RB Depth Chart Update: Analyzing Najee Harris’ Replacement Options After Omarion Hampton Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers’ running back depth chart has been dealt a crushing blow with rookie Omarion Hampton placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury. This comes just weeks after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, leaving the team in a precarious position.

With both key backs sidelined, the Chargers now rely on veteran J.K. Dobbins and practice squad players to fill the void. The team’s rushing attack faces significant uncertainty as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.

Los Angeles Chargers RB Depth Chart in Crisis After Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton Injuries

The Los Angeles Chargers’ running back situation has gone from concerning to dire within weeks. Najee Harris’ season-ending Achilles tear was devastating enough, but rookie Omarion Hampton’s ankle injury landing him on IR creates genuine crisis territory.

The current RB depth chart shakeup reveals:

• J.K. Dobbins (projected RB1)
• Hassan Haskins
• Kimani Vidal (practice squad candidate)
• Amar Johnson (practice squad)

This leaves quarterback Justin Herbert with minimal support in the backfield. The Chargers’ power-run scheme under Jim Harbaugh requires physical runners who can wear down defenses – a philosophy now severely compromised.

This reminds me of the 2018 Washington backfield that cycled through nine different running backs. The Chargers must act quickly if they want to salvage their ground game.

Can J.K. Dobbins Handle Lead Back Duties?

Examining the injury-plagued veteran’s potential

J.K. Dobbins suddenly becomes the Chargers’ most experienced running back by default, but his medical history raises red flags:

While Dobbins showed impressive burst during preseason (4.8 YPC), asking him to handle 15+ touches weekly seems like courting disaster. His last full season came three years ago, and his injury-prone nature contradicts Harbaugh’s preference for reliable workhorses.

Dobbins reminds me of former Chargers back Melvin Gordon – talented but unreliable. They need to find someone more durable immediately.

Veteran Free Agent Options Chargers Should Consider

The trade market and free agency offer several potential solutions:

• Leonard Fournette: Familiar with Harbaugh’s system from Michigan days, brings power-run expertise
• Kareem Hunt: Excellent pass-catching skills could help Herbert’s checkdown game
• Ezekiel Elliott: Proven short-yardage specialist nearing career’s twilight
• Dalvin Cook: Veteran experience but durability questions

Fournette stands out as the most logical signing. At 30 years old, he wouldn’t command significant money and understands Harbaugh’s gap-scheme concepts. His physical 225-pound frame suits the Chargers’ identity better than Hunt’s third-down specialist approach.

Fournette makes the most football sense, but don’t sleep on Hunt’s potential impact in the passing game. Herbert needs reliable safety valves.

Practice Squad Promotions: Can Vidal or Johnson Emerge?

The Chargers have two intriguing developmental backs potentially ready for elevation:

Vidal particularly stood out during training camp with his ability to break tackles and maintain forward momentum. At 5’8″, 213 pounds, he fits the mold of modern compact, powerful backs like Maurice Jones-Drew.

Vidal reminds me of a young Frank Gore, whom Harbaugh famously developed in San Francisco. This could be his breakthrough opportunity.

Fantasy Football Implications of Chargers RB Carnage

Who deserves waiver wire priority?

For fantasy managers scrambling for replacements:

• J.K. Dobbins: Immediate RB2 value if healthy but carries monumental risk
• Hassan Haskins: Potential goal-line vulture worth rostering in deep leagues
• Kimani Vidal: The most intriguing stash with long-term RB1 potential

The Chargers’ backfield offers more uncertainty than upside currently. However, Vidal represents the highest-reward gamble given his preseason performance and Harbaugh’s history of deploying unknown runners successfully.

I’d avoid this backfield entirely in redraft leagues unless desperate. Dynasty managers should prioritize Vidal immediately.

How RB Injuries Affect Justin Herbert and Chargers Offense

The backfield instability creates multiple ripple effects:

• Reduced play-action effectiveness (35% of Herbert’s yards came off PA last season)
• Increased defensive focus on pass rush with diminished run threat
• Potential for more empty sets and Herbert operating from shotgun
• Possible uptick in QB-designed runs exposing Herbert to hits

Herbert’s MVP-caliber talent can compensate somewhat, but the entire offensive ecosystem takes a hit without credible rushing threats. The Chargers may need to fundamentally alter their offensive approach.

Remember how Peyton Manning struggled without Edge James? Herbert could face similar schematic challenges without a reliable run game.