Is Omarion Hampton Playing This Week? Latest News on Chargers RB's Injury Timeline

The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly getting rookie running back Omarion Hampton back in time for Monday night's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Los Angeles officially activated Hampton from injured reserve a few hours before game time on Monday.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported on Saturday the team's plan to activate Hampton to the 53-man roster ahead of the Week 14 matchup, but the move wasn't made official for two more days.

Hampton has been sidelined since suffering a left ankle fracture on Oct. 5 in a Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Chargers opened Hampton's 21-day practice window on Nov. 25. If he wasn't activated by the end of the window, the running back would be placed on the season-ending injured reserve.

After joining practice in a limited capacity Thursday, Hampton returned as a full participant Friday for the first time since suffering his injury.

"Right on track," head coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday about Hampton's recovery.

Hampton took on a what was potentially a larger role than expected early in his rookie season after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early in a Week 3 matchup with the Denver Broncos.

Largely while playing in place of Harris, Hampton racked up a team high 43 carries for 242 rushing yards with two touchdowns while adding 17 catches for 122 yards over the Chargers' next three games.

The Chargers have leaned on Kimani Vidal, who recorded a season-high 126 rushing yards in last weekend's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with both Hampton and Harris sidelined.

Vidal and Hampton could now expect to split carries during Monday's matchup with the Eagles. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters last week that he expected to "see some sort of one-two punch" between the two running backs once Hampton was able to return.

The biggest question for the Chargers heading into Week 14 centers on Justin Herbert, who was limited in practice Friday after recently undergoing surgery on his fractured left hand.

Herbert has said he is planning to play despite the injury to his non-throwing hand, but Harbaugh has indicated backup quarterback Trey Lance could get looks in goal-line and short yardage situations even if Herbert is cleared to play.

Getting Hampton back on the field will give Herbert a key hand-off option as the quarterback adjusts to potentially playing with a cast on his left hand.