Chargers make their stance on Omarion Hampton crystal clear with deadline gamble

As the trade deadline approached, there was much buzz surrounding the prospect of the Los Angeles Chargers striking a deal to bring in help for the backfield, especially given the, as of now, uncertain injury status of rookie running back Omarion Hampton. Yet, the team ultimately only brought in offensive lineman Trevor Penning, and, in passing up on any number of running backs who might have been available, they have indicated a profound faith in rookie running back Omarion Hampton to become the team's lead rusher when he returns. While it has been announced that his return will not come until at least the conclusion of the team's bye week in Week 12, it is apparent that he did enough in the two games he played with Najee Harris out that the team believes he can still be enough to satisfy the needs of this offense. As the season opened, fans had abundant reason to be optimistic about the outlook for the team's backfield. Harris, despite any debates that could be had about his ceiling as a player, was a pere