NFL: Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chargers Add RB Amid Injury Crisis

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 7:02 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are turning to a familiar face to stabilize their battered backfield. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the Chargers are signing Nyheim Hines to their practice squad after working him out Tuesday — and with the position thin, Hines has “a chance to play this week.”

Hines spent training camp and the preseason with the Chargers, giving him a leg up in Greg Roman’s offensive system. His signing comes as the team faces a full-blown injury crisis at running back, with both Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton sidelined.

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Chargers Sign Nyheim Hines After Losing Omarion Hampton To IR

Chargers Add RB Amid Injury Crisis 1 JAMIE GERMANO / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Monday that Hampton, the rookie standout from North Carolina, will be placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s 27–10 loss to the Commanders. Hampton, who entered Week 5 leading all rookies in scrimmage yards (380), will miss at least the next four games.

With Harris already lost for the season to an Achilles tear, Los Angeles is down its top two rushers. That leaves Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to handle the early-down work, while Hines offers versatility as a pass-catcher and return specialist.

The 28-year-old last appeared in 2022 with the Colts and Bills, where he’s best remembered for two emotional kickoff-return touchdowns in Buffalo’s Week 18 win — six days after teammate Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse. Hines has since recovered from a serious leg injury suffered in a 2023 jet ski accident and now gets a second chance in Los Angeles.

Given the Chargers’ depth issues, Hines could be elevated from the practice squad as soon as Sunday’s road matchup against the Miami Dolphins, offering a much-needed boost to a team searching for offensive balance.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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