The Los Angeles Chargers are staring down yet another setback. Not only is head coach Jim Harbaugh’s squad in Week 6 with a 2-game losing streak, but injuries have also shaken up their backfield. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton had been adding sparks to the offense this season, but his Week 5 ankle injury has landed him on the injury reserve. He’s out for at least four weeks, but the situation is more dire than that.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo noted that Hampton’s recovery could stretch well beyond four weeks. The team had already lost Najee Harris to a season-ending injury earlier, and now, Jim Harbaugh faces a choice. The question faced by the Chargers now: hustle for a short-term fix or go hunting for another back who can keep the offense afloat. As Garafolo noted: 

“So we are reporting that the Chargers are expected to be in the market to potentially trade for a running back and have already had those conversations. So keep an eye on them to potentially add to the backfield, although maybe Haskins and Vidal will play well enough that they’ll say, ‘you know what, we’re comfortable with these guys until Hampton gets back.’ We shall see, but expect them to at least continue to have conversations.”

Los Angeles is eyeing Week 6 and beyond with anxiety. The division race remains wide open, with the Chargers perched atop the AFC West; but injuries have shifted priorities. The RB room is now occupied by Hassan Haskins, Kamani Vidal, and Nyheim Miller-Hines, the newest active roster addition pulled up from the practice squad. There’s no room for slow starts or growing pains right now.

Everything about this situation feels urgent. First with Najee Harris’ injury, and now with Omarion Hampton sidelined, the Chargers’ season could swing hard in either direction. As Harbaugh scans for a trade, it changes the dynamics for the next man up. Who gets the calls now, and who is being eyed as the next Charger?

Jim Harbaugh’s impending decisions: who’s up now, and who’s next?

Hassan Haskins is the starter for now. He’s dependable, tough, but he’s just started carrying a full load. Against the Washington Commanders in Week 5, Haskins rushed for 13 yards across 5 carries. Kamani Vidal has also made a small splash in Week 5, going 18 yards with 4 carries. Then there’s Miller-Hines, who has familiarity with the team from this year’s training camp days. He gets his chance because the Chargers need bodies and energy fast. But what about the trade targets?

The franchise is already phone-shopping. One of the possible prime targets includes Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints). Kamara gets fewer opportunities now that the Saints are banking on Kendre Miller. The Chargers could also choose a back from free agency. These names bring instant impact and experience. Some are expensive, some are risky, but Jim Harbaugh won’t shy away from shaking up the depth chart if it means salvaging the next few weeks.

Navigating injuries beyond Week 6, if Harbaugh pulls off a big trade, the entire narrative around the Chargers changes. If Haskins, Vidal, or Miller-Hines make an impact, they write their own story for the stretch run. As the November 4 trade deadline inches closer, so does the Chargers’ next big move.