Rookie running back Omarion Hampton returns, sparking Chargers' offense. Justin Herbert's status also signals good news before their Eagles clash.
The Los Angeles Chargers got good news ahead of their Monday Night Football contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, as Omarion Hampton was officially activated from IR and is set to make his return as the young, dynamic rookie running back.
He hopes to make a real difference against this Philadelphia team. It’ll be a great test for the Chargers. He’s missed significant time and was really starting to hit his stride before he went down with the injury. He truly has the upside to be one of the best running backs in the NFL at some point in the future and could absolutely be the type of guy who puts together a 100-plus-yard night with big impact plays.
That’s just the kind of player he is. He’s a playmaker, explosive. He can methodically pound the rock and accumulate yards over the course of a game in a sneaky way, or he can rip off 60 yards for a score on one play. So it’s huge news for the Chargers to officially get their top running back back ahead of this matchup with the Eagles.
Furthermore, the Chargers did not elevate a QB from the practice squad. And while that doesn’t sound like news, it’s a promising sign. With Justin Herbert having left-hand surgery a week ago, there was real doubt about what he would look like coming into this game. Trey Lance is the backup and is fully capable of stepping in if needed and keeping things afloat. But the fact that the Chargers didn’t feel the need to elevate somebody as a third quarterback should bring optimism.
Herbert likely won’t be the vintage Herbert we’re used to seeing. He throws right-handed, but you still need your left to secure the ball and that could definitely hinder him. But this feels like a good sign that not only will he be good to go and actually play, but he feels good enough that there’s not a need to overreact and elevate a third quarterback.
Overall, this is good news for the Chargers. Things are trending in their direction on the injury front entering Monday night. Now they’ll hope to turn that into a big win over the Eagles and make a statement.