The North Carolina Tar Heels are already short-handed after losing quarterback Max Johnson for the year in their season opener, but their fortunes may have taken another turn for the worse.
Star running back Omarion Hampton, a Doak Walker Watch List player, went to the locker room in the second quarter of the Tar Heels’ game against Charlotte on Saturday, nursing what appeared to be a leg injury.
What’s the latest on North Carolina’s star running back?
What Happened to Omarion Hampton?
Hampton left North Carolina’s matchup against the Charlotte 49ers during the second quarter of a 21-3.
Omarion Hampton heading to the locker room with a leg issue. That's one loss the Tar Heels absolutely can not afford moving forward if it's more than just a bump or bruise.
— BFriedACC (@BFriedACC) September 7, 2024
He was seen on the sideline nursing a leg injury and eventually went to the locker room early ahead of the halftime break.
Omarion Hampton on the exercise bike, currently. pic.twitter.com/oP6xm8vsnK
— Will Dalton (@thewilldalton) September 7, 2024
Hampton is a star at North Carolina, having run for over 1,500 yards last season. He had 15 touchdowns on the ground and 29 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown in 2023.
Hampton is off to a great start for the Tar Heels in 2024, rushing for 129 yards on 30 carries against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the season opener. He had 11 rushes for 77 yards when he left Saturday’s game against Charlotte.
There has been no official injury report from North Carolina, but Hampton was walking under his own power.
At this point, Hampton should be considered questionable to return. The 49ers are trying to mount a comeback, and we could possibly see Hampton if the game becomes uncomfortably close.
The Tar Heels will have to work without him, and Davion Gause is the likely candidate to replace him if Hampton is out for an extended period of time.
The North Carolina coaching staff will likely be cautious with Hampton after quarterback Max Johnson was injured last week. Johnson is out for the season but has announced his return next season.
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College Football Network will have updates if there is any news about the North Carolina running back.
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