With Omarion Hampton’s playoff status in doubt, the Chargers’ offensive balance could be at risk. His physical running style is key to controlling possession, and without him, Los Angeles may face a tougher path to its first playoff win under Jim Harbaugh.
The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing to travel to New England to take on the Patriots in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Chargers will feature a rested Justin Herbert to go along with a surging defense. Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh are looking to earn their first playoff win together. However, with Omarion Hampton nursing yet another injury, the Chargers could be at risk of falling short yet again.
Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has quietly put together a solid season. While he hasn’t always grabbed headlines, his impact has been felt when he has been on the field. The biggest issue for Hampton, though, has been his inability to stay healthy. He was forced to miss seven games during a stint on injured reserve and was also sidelined for the Chargers’ Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. At the time, many fans hoped that absence was more precautionary than necessary.
That optimism took a hit when Jim Harbaugh announced that Hampton would not be practicing on Wednesday, immediately putting his availability for Sunday’s playoff matchup in doubt. If the rookie is unable to suit up against the Patriots, it creates a massive wrinkle in the Chargers’ offensive game plan.
When the Chargers are at their best, they are one of the most effective teams in the league at controlling time of possession. A major reason for that success is the effectiveness of the running game. While Hampton has a limited track record due to injuries, he brings a physical running style that the Chargers simply do not replicate elsewhere on the roster. His ability to run between the tackles, finish runs, and wear down defenses plays directly into Harbaugh’s preferred brand of football.
Against a Patriots defense that thrives on forcing opposing offenses into one-dimensional game plans, Hampton’s presence could be the difference between balance and predictability. Without him, New England can focus more attention on Herbert and the passing game, making life significantly more difficult for the Chargers’ offensive line and receivers.
Hampton also provides value beyond the box score. His physicality helps set the tone early in games and opens up play-action opportunities, an area where Herbert has historically thrived. Even if Hampton isn’t 100 percent, his ability to grind out tough yards and keep the offense ahead of the chains is invaluable in a playoff environment where possessions are limited and mistakes are magnified.
Ultimately, the Chargers can still win without Hampton, but the margin for error shrinks considerably. For a team that has seen too many promising playoff runs end in disappointment, having all of their key pieces available matters more than ever. If Omarion Hampton is able to take the field on Sunday, it could go a long way toward determining whether the Chargers’ postseason journey continues—or ends far too soon.