The Los Angeles Chargers are placed second in the AFC West this year with a 6-3 record after 9 weeks. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has made every move possible that could help them win the Super Bowl. But even he has failed to handle the mounting Injuries.

Podcaster and former USA Today reporter Alex Insdorf reported on November 9 that the Chargers have already used 5 injured reserve (IR) spots this year. One spot will go to the RB Omarion Hampton. So, they have only 2 more spots this season in case their players are placed on the injured reserve list.

In the NFL, teams can place an unlimited number of players on injured reserve (IR), but under league rules, only eight players can return from IR during a single season. That means once a team has used all eight return designations, any other player placed on IR must remain there for the rest of the season.

Each player returning from IR must miss at least four games before being eligible to play again. Once they’re officially activated, that counts as one of the team’s eight total return slots. Not eight at once, but eight for the entire year.

The Los Angeles Chargers continue to shuffle their roster as injuries mount and veterans recover. On Saturday, the team activated five players from injured reserve this season. It included stars LB Khalil Mack, LB Denzel Perryman, snapper Josh Harris, DE Da’Shawn Hand, and CB Deane Leonard. Their return gave the Bolts a much-needed boost heading into the second half of the season.

By activating five players already, the Chargers are walking a fine line with their IR management. With only three IR-return slots left, Jim Harbaugh has to make difficult roster decisions with LT Joe Alt, LT Rashawn Slater, and RB Najee Harris on IR. Overall, they have 11 players on IR.

While the news itself is worrying for the Bolts, they also got some good news.

Jim Harbaugh might get his running back soon

The Los Angeles Chargers got a pleasant surprise on Friday, November 7. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton showed up at practice. His return window hasn’t opened yet, but his presence lifted the team’s spirits. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that Hampton wouldn’t practice until after the bye. Well, Hampton proved him wrong.

He took the field without a walking boot, a strong sign of progress. Hampton has been out since Week 5 with an ankle injury suffered against the Washington Commanders. His recovery has been faster than expected. Hampton has carried the ball 66 times for 314 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, with a long run of 54 yards. His combination of power and burst has given Los Angeles a much-needed spark on the ground.

RB Kimani Vidal has served as a reliable rotational piece in the backfield. In 6 games, he’s rushed 66 times for 309 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Vidal’s physical running style has helped the Chargers grind out tough yardage. Quarterback Justin Herbert has contributed with his legs and his arm. He’s rushed 46 times for 305 yards and 1 touchdown. Herbert’s mobility has added a valuable dimension to the offense.

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Right now, the Chargers have only one running back on their 53-man roster. Hampton’s return could change that soon. His power and speed could bring energy to the offense late in the season. For now, the rookie isn’t cleared to play. But his appearance at practice shows clear progress and gives the Chargers a reason to believe help is on the way.