The Los Angeles Chargers designated running back Omarion Hampton to return from injured reserve earlier this week, which was the first step in getting him back on the field.
Hampton has been working his way back from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 5. The rookie running back was then placed on injured reserve in Week 6.
While the hope was that Hampton would return this week after being designated to return from IR, that will not happen and instead he has been ruled out for Week 13.
“Omarion Hampton (ankle) is OUT for Sunday vs. Raiders,” The Athletic’s Daniel Popper wrote on Friday.
Why Omarion Hampton won’t play for Chargers
Hampton did manage to take part in practice each day this week, which was a clear sign of progress in his recovery. However, he was not able to log a single full practice and likely needs to do so before he can return.
Hampton was also spotted wearing a yellow non-contact jersey on Friday, which was another clear indication he just isn’t ready to go yet.
“Omarion Hampton catching passes from Trey Lance in a yellow jersey today. Wasn’t wearing that earlier this week,” ESPN’s Kris Rhim wrote.
Hampton adding the non-contact jersey on Friday might be a sign of a setback on the surface, but if he had truly suffered a setback the Chargers wouldn’t let him practice at all, so we can put that idea to bed.
We can’t forget, Hampton has not played in a long time, so it’s no surprise he’s going to need a little more time to get ready. Even head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted Hampton needs time to ramp up.
“It was a good week,” Harbaugh said of Hampton. “Really beneficial, ramping up. Everything’s on track to return, not this week.”
With the Chargers playing against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday in Week 14, the next injury update for the young running back should come on Thursday, when Los Angeles releases its first injury report of the week.
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