Should You Start Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal in Fantasy? Chargers OC Reveals RB Plan

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested on Wednesday that rookie running back Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal will split time upon Hampton's return to game action on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Roman also said he expects Hampton to be in strong form despite missing nearly two months with an ankle injury.

In five games this season, Hampton managed 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding 20 catches for 136 yards. He was drafted in the first few rounds by many fantasy players, who surely were hoping he'd be the clear No. 1 in the backfield upon his return. That doesn't appear to be happening, however.

Vidal has earned touches, rushing for 399 yards and two touchdowns in the six games since Hampton was injured while adding 11 catches for 51 yards and a score. While he's been a bit inconsistent on a week-to-week basis for fantasy players, he's operated as a legitimate RB2 while Hampton was out.

A timeshare threatens both players' fantasy upside, though Hampton was a first-round pick and was seeing the heavier workload early in the season for a reason. He's still a more viable starting option than Vidal, though perhaps as more of a low-end RB2 or flex given the timeshare. The Chargers could work him back slowly, giving him some real boom-or-bust potential until we actually see his usage.

Vidal is hard to recommend as anything other than a desperation flex in the deepest of leagues, meanwhile. This may be a one-two punch, but expect Vidal to eventually, if not immediately, be the clear No. 2.