What Is Omarion Hampton's Timeline for Injury Return? Latest Updates on Chargers RB

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton is one step closer to returning from the ankle injury that has sidelined him since Week 5.

The Chargers are opening the 21-day practice window for Hampton, ESPN's Kris Rhim reported Tuesday.

The team must either move Hampton to the active roster or else place him on season-ending injured reserve within the next three weeks.

Hampton revealed that he had been dealing with a left ankle fracture that he suffered during an Oct. 5 loss to the Washington Commanders. Though the extent of the injury had previously been undisclosed, he was seen in a walking boot following the game.

He was later placed on injured reserve.

"It hurt kind of. Sitting here can't help my team," Hampton told reporters Wednesday. "So It's going to feel good to help my team out a little bit more."

The 2025 first-round pick recorded 66 carries for 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns in five starts before suffering his ankle injury.

The running back was eligible to return as of Week 10, but Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters earlier this month he didn't expect Hampton's window to open until after the Week 12 bye.

When asked about Hampton's status last Monday, Harbaugh said the decision to active the running back's practice window "depends on how he progresses this week."

That progress was apparently positive for the Chargers to stick to the initial estimated timeline and open Hampton's practice window ahead of Week 13.

"Just gonna really ramp up... but good to get him back out there," Harbaugh said Tuesday about the decision to active Hampton, per the Los Angeles Times' Benjamin Royer. "

The Chargers also opened the practice window for defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia, who has been sidelined since Week 7 with an elbow injury.

After last weekend's bye, the Chargers are returning to action Sunday with a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bolts are next set to play the visiting Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 8 before hitting the road for a Dec. 14 home game at the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers have been playing most of this season with limited running back depth after losing Hampton to his ankle injury and Najee Harris to a season-ending Achilles tear.

Kimani Vidal has taken over as the Chargers' backfield leader in their absence, totaling 87 carries for 386 yards and two touchdowns in five starts with Hampton on the sideline.

Vidal got limited touches this season prior to Week 5, but there might be a chance he could see a larger role going forward even with Hampton back on the field. When asked about how Vidal would split carries after Hampton's return, Harbaugh told reporters he would "see how the week goes," per Alex Insdorf.