It’s been a tough season so far for Omarion Hampton.
He should be one of the best young backs in the league. NFL insider Jordan Schultz at one point made a bold prediction that Hampton would lead the NFL in scrimmage yards while finishing with 12+ touchdowns. He’s currently barely on pace for touchdowns and you can’t lead the league in yards from scrimmage if you’re barely on the field.
That’s what happened to the 23-year-old who entered the league with hopes of being the lead guy for a team. It’s hard to imagine he’s in any kind of good spirits since both lost fumbles in the first two weeks of this season.
But despite this, outside the team, there are believers.
Take Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport who recently re-ranked the second-year backs in the league. Hampton finished third, just behind Ashton Jeanty and TreyVeon Henderson.
“Omarion Hampton had little chance to establish a rhythm.”
“When the 23-year-old was drafted 22nd overall last year, there was hope that he would be the Chargers’ lead back from the jump. He was widely considered a first-round talent after a very productive two-season stretch at North Carolina.”
“An ankle injury sidelined Hampton for nearly half of his rookie season, but he was effective when available. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry, scored five touchdowns and contributed just under 82 total yards per game. Then 2026 rolled around, and the wheels came off.”
“The winless Chargers are a mess, and Mike McDaniel’s decision to use a three-back committee did little to help Hampton find his groove. Hampton has exceeded 15 carries just once this season, while his yards-per-carry average has dropped nearly a full yard.”
“The talent is there, but the situation is a nightmare.”
Do you think Davenport is right to still hold Hampton in such high esteem? Should he be less based on his current situation? Let us know below!
And now for today’s links.
Assessing the Chargers in their bye week (Chargers.com)
What you need to know about the Chargers ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline (Chargers.com)
Chargers give major updates on health of Joe Alt and Derwin James (Chargers Wire)
Tony Jefferson has one of the best run defense grades among qualified players at his position via Pro Football Focus (Bolt Beat)
Pre-deadline trades that need to happen in the NFL (ESPN)
A trio of coaches have been fined $250,000 for their behavior toward game officials in recent weeks (CBS Sports)
Starts and seats for Week Seven of fantasy football (NFL.com)
Sauce Gardner says his calf injury isn’t as bad as it was in 2025 (Pro Football Talk)
A move every team should make at the NFL Trade Deadline (Sports Illustrated)
Re-ranking of second-year running backs (Bleacher Report)