Hours before the Wild Card Round matchup against the New England Patriots, the Chargers fans are waiting for Omarion Hampton’s availability confirmation. The running back has been dealing with an ankle injury.
Hampton’s ankle has been an issue for him throughout this season. In Week 5, during the game against the Washington Commanders, he injured his ankle for the first time, and it has been a problem for him since.
In Week 17, during the game against the Houston Texans, Hampton’s ankle issue surfaced again. In the lead-up to the Patriots’ game, there have been concerns about his availability in what will be his first playoff experience.
As per the Chargers’ injury report, Hampton did not practice with the team on Wednesday and Thursday. He was a limited participant during the team’s practice session on Friday. That gave fans some hope about his availability.
As per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, when Hampton was asked about his availability for Sunday’s playoff matchup, he said, “Yeah, that’s the plan.” Hampton is expected to play against the Patriots tonight.
The Chargers roster is currently marred with injuries. There are five players listed as ‘questionable’ for the Wild Card Round game. Austin Deculus, Bud Dupree, Tucker Fisk, Elijah Molden, and Del’Shawn Phillips are questionable.
The Chargers have listed KeAndre Lambert-Smith with a hamstring injury and Kendall Williamson with an ankle injury as ‘out’ for the Patriots game.
Omarion Hampton on His Injury Struggles
Hampton was drafted as a first-round pick by the Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft. He earned the reputation of a reliable running back during his two-year stint with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Chargers have high hopes for him and see Hampton as a long-term investment. Unfortunately, injuries in his rookie season have limited his time on the field.
“It’s definitely been different, but it’s something I’ve just got to keep getting treatment on and bounce back from,” Hampton SAID about his injuries.
The 22-year-old has shown exceptional commitment to his team by playing through injuries. When he injured his ankle against the Texans, Hampton stayed in the game. When he was later asked about the same, he said that he didn’t want to give up on his team.
He intended to help his team, so he decided to push himself despite the injury and finished the game with his team.
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