With the Chargers prioritizing health in Week 18, Jim Harbaugh must decide whether rookie RB Omarion Hampton should play or rest. Is risking momentum worth it, or is protecting Hampton for a playoff run the smarter move?
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed Monday that franchise quarterback Justin Herbert will not play in the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The decision comes after the Chargers’ loss to the Houston Texans, which officially eliminated their chances of winning the AFC West. Harbaugh also noted that players with “the most bruises” and in need of “the most healing” would sit as well. With that in mind, while playing time could benefit rookie running back Omarion Hampton, is it smarter to rest him for the playoffs?
The Chargers have been battered by injuries all season. From losing both starting tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, to cycling through their entire running back room, Los Angeles has been forced to adapt on the fly. Despite the adversity, Justin Herbert has willed this team to an impressive 11–5 record.
In reality, without a healthy Herbert, the Chargers have little chance of making noise in the postseason. With the division out of reach, the coaching staff has prioritized health over jockeying for wild-card positioning. Even if Los Angeles believed the fifth seed was preferable to the sixth or seventh, they would still need help from other teams. Choosing guaranteed rest over uncertain seeding is a logical move.
Beyond Herbert, who else should benefit from extra rest? Veterans like Khalil Mack, Keenan Allen and Derwin James are obvious candidates, but the bigger question surrounds the younger players.
Hampton is still working his way back after a stint on injured reserve. An additional week of rest before the playoffs could be crucial, especially against a physical Denver defense. The last thing the Chargers want is for their rookie standout to suffer an injury in a relatively meaningless game. With Kimani Vidal already sidelined due to a neck injury, losing Hampton ahead of Wild Card Weekend could be catastrophic.
If Harbaugh does choose to play Hampton, it would likely be on a limited snap count. Those reps could help shake off rust and build confidence. A strong showing without Herbert could provide a much-needed spark and boost Hampton’s confidence heading into his first playoff appearance.
Harbaugh faces a delicate decision: risk Hampton’s health for momentum, or prioritize rest for postseason success. While both approaches have merit, the big picture remains clear—playoff success is the ultimate goal. In the coming days, fans should gain more insight into the coaching staff’s plan for Sunday.