The Los Angeles Chargers have placed running back Hassan Haskins on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, joining Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. Kimani Vidal is expected to carry the workload as the team continues to battle through major injuries in the backfield.
Another day, another running back placed on injured reserve. The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Saturday that they have placed running back Hassan Haskins on injured reserve, joining Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. This news comes after Haskins did not participate in practice all week and was listed as out for Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Haskins sustained a hamstring injury in the Week 7 game against the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old out of Michigan was set to split carries with Kimani Vidal, with both Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton missing time. Vidal proved to be the more efficient option on the ground, leading to a decrease in Haskins’ touches. So far this season, Haskins has totaled just 12 carries for 30 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per attempt. Despite the lack of carries, it was important to have another option in the backfield. Asking Vidal to carry an excessive workload, when he originally began the season on the Chargers’ practice squad, is not ideal. To his credit, Kimani Vidal has exceeded expectations thus far.
The stint on injured reserve for Haskins comes as a bit of a surprise. Had the coaching staff thought it was necessary earlier, it would have made sense to place him on IR prior to last Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. With a minimum four-game absence now ahead for Haskins, the Chargers have elevated running backs Jaret Patterson and Amar Johnson from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Titans.
The fact that the Los Angeles Chargers are now without every running back originally signed to the team is disastrous. However, Kimani Vidal has shown that he is capable of filling the void in the Chargers’ offense until rookie Omarion Hampton returns from his stint on injured reserve. Hampton will be eligible to return following Sunday’s game, though reports suggest he may miss more than the required four games.
Running back Kimani Vidal should expect yet another heavy workload in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Assuming the Bolts are able to jump ahead early, coaches Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman will likely look to utilize Vidal to keep the play clock running. Vidal has rushed for over 100 yards in two of the last three games. Justin Herbert and the rest of the Chargers’ offense will once again depend on him to help carry the load with Haskins, Harris, and Hampton all sidelined.