Omarion Hampton Receives Favorable Ranking Among Sophomore Running Backs

The Los Angeles Chargers are now in their bye week, hoping to figure out how to fix the variety of issues they have, which have led to the 0-6 start.

While the Chargers may not be in an ideal spot when it comes to their record, Los Angeles may have something to lean on when it comes to their sophomore running back, Omarion Hampton.

Based on Week 6 now being in the books, Bleacher Report NFL analyst Gary Davenport put out a piece re-ranking Ashton Jeanty, 2nd-Year NFL RBs after Week 6, and in that re-ranking, Hampton actually came in at No. 3.

When it comes to evaluating Hampton, there are several different ways to go, but as Davenport mentioned, Hampton was drafted No. 22 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft with the expectation that he would be the main back for Los Angeles.

During Hampton's rookie season in 2025, that seemed to mostly be the case when he was in the lineup as he averaged 4.4 yards on 124 carries while totaling 545 yards, four touchdowns, and 31 first downs, but as a result of ankle injury he was limited to just nine games.

So far this season, Hampton has been the lead back, but the issue is the fact that the offense under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has not been nearly as productive with the run game really suffering also partly because the offensive line has been dealing with major injuries and the lineup has constantly been changing.

To this point in 2026, Hampton has had 80 carries for 289, three touchdowns, 18 first downs, two fumbles, and an average of 3.6 yards per carry while playing in all six games.

Hampton does have the ability, and with his 6-0 and 220-pound frame, he can be a dominant force on the ground, but based on the situation with the offensive line, the pass catchers, and the struggles of quarterback Justin Herbert, Hampton has not been able to truly get comfortable in this offense.

On the positive side, the only two backs ahead of Hampton in this ranking are New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson and Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who have both had their struggles as well.

Based on the situation the Chargers are in, Hampton was a solid selection, especially at No. 22 overall, but because the offense has been all over the place with health and play calling, Los Angeles has not been able to maximize Hampton.

With that said, if the Chargers can find a consistent and solid offensive line combination and throw the ball more effectively, they might be able to open up the run game and give Hampton an opportunity to maximize his talent and help this offense to be significantly more productive.

So, as the Chargers progress through the bye week, if they can get healthier up front and find answers in the passing game, it is very possible that they could have the ability to get Hampton more involved, which might be the exact formula this team needs to have to secure their first win of the season.