Chargers RB Avoids Critical Injury After Brutal Hit

The last thing the Chargers needed was another long-term injury to a core contributor. Instead, the early belief is that Vidal’s absence, if there is one, will be short.

Vidal left Sunday’s game at AT&T Stadium after just five carries for 11 yards. Omarion Hampton carried the bulk of the workload in his place, finishing with 16 rushes for 85 yards, while Hassan Haskins handled backup duties with four carries.

With the Chargers set to host the Houston Texans this weekend at SoFi Stadium, their first injury report of the week is due Tuesday. Vidal’s day-to-day designation leaves the door open for his availability, even if his practice reps are managed.

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Vidal’s Importance to the 2025 Chargers

Before Hampton’s return from injury earlier this month, Vidal had quietly become one of the most reliable pieces in the Chargers’ offense.

Through 12 games and 10 starts, Vidal leads the team with 631 rushing yards on 152 attempts, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He has added three rushing touchdowns, 15 receptions, 138 receiving yards, and another score through the air.

His value wasn’t just in volume, but in stability. During the middle portion of the season, Vidal provided consistency in an offense that was often forced to adjust on the fly due to injuries elsewhere.

Before and After Hampton’s Return

Vidal’s role has shifted noticeably since Hampton returned in Week 14.

From Weeks 6–13, Vidal operated as the Chargers’ primary back. He averaged 13.4 rushing attempts per game, produced over 60 rushing yards per contest, and maintained a healthy 4.5 yards per carry. His usage rate reflected that trust, as he was directly involved in more than a third of the team’s offensive snaps.

Since Hampton’s return, that workload has dipped. Vidal is averaging just over 10 carries per game, his yards per carry have fallen, and his usage rate has declined significantly. Interestingly, his snap count has remained relatively stable, suggesting his role has evolved rather than disappeared.

Hampton, meanwhile, has reclaimed the lead-back mantle with efficiency. Over the last three games, he’s averaged nearly 15 carries per contest while maintaining a strong yards-per-carry mark and contributing in the passing game.

Why Vidal Still Matters Going Forward

Even with Hampton back in the fold, Vidal remains a critical piece of the Chargers’ offensive structure.

He offers balance — a physical runner who can grind out early downs, pass protect, and remain on the field in multiple personnel groupings. His presence allows the Chargers to manage Hampton’s workload and maintain flexibility late in games and late in the season.

That depth could prove decisive as the stakes rise.

Because of Denver’s loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, the Chargers remain alive in both the AFC West race and the pursuit of the conference’s No. 1 seed. At 11–4, they trail the Broncos by one game and travel to Denver in Week 18 with potential division implications still looming.

A Manageable Concern, Not a Setback

For now, the Chargers can exhale.

A neck strain is not insignificant, but it’s a far cry from the kind of injury that would derail Vidal’s season or significantly alter the team’s plans heading into January. His status will be monitored closely this week, but the expectation is that he avoided the worst-case scenario.

In a year where injuries have routinely dictated outcomes, the Chargers finally found themselves on the right side of the diagnosis — and that alone could make a meaningful difference as the postseason picture comes into focus.