Justin Herbert faces major challenge as Chargers’ RBs fall apart

The Chargers came into the season with a pair of new running backs. Najee Harris signed a cheap one-year deal in free agency. Elsewhere, Los Angeles used a first-round pick on Omarion Hampton at number 22 overall. But after five weeks, neither player will be available for the upcoming stretch.

The Chargers lost Najee Harris in their Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos. Harris, unfortunately, suffered a torn Achilles and is done for the remainder of the season. And after the Chargers' most recent game, L.A. will now be without Hampton for a minimum of four games. Due to an ankle injury, the Bolts are set to place Hampton on the injured reserve list.

If you look at Los Angeles' next four games, the Chargers will go to Miami first. They will then have back-to-back home games against Indianapolis and Minnesota. Finally, the last of the next four games is at Tennessee.

L.A. is also sitting at 3-2, tied with the Denver Broncos for first in the AFC West. The Chargers hold an early head-to-head tiebreaker over Denver. Yet two frustrating losses in a row have altered the tune a bit surrounding the Chargers. And once again, it is another year with crucial injuries hurting them early in the season.

Chargers' in-house running back options

Where will the Chargers turn now at running back? Hassan Haskins is currently on the active roster. Meanwhile, Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson are a pair of names sitting on the practice squad. Given his regular-season experience from last year, Vidal will likely be elevated for Week 6. The Chargers did sign Nyheim Hines to the practice squad on Tuesday. His veteran experience could give him a chance to suit up soon as well.

Haskins has not just been part of a Jim Harbaugh team in Los Angeles. During his college career, he played under Harbaugh at Michigan for four years from 2018 to 2021. In his final season at Michigan, Haskins rushed for 1,327 yards.

Herbert dealing with plenty of new roster questions around him

Despite the history of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers have actually come out throwing more to open the season than expected. It is not a wild thing to envision, given that Justin Herbert is their starting quarterback. Nonetheless, Roman and Harbaugh have generally looked to impose their will on the ground.

Can the Chargers' offense elevate around Herbert over the upcoming stretch without Hampton? Haskins is passable at running back, but obviously, Los Angeles will need their pass catchers to consistently come through with Hampton out. At the same time, the Chargers' offensive line has been shaky the last few weeks, leading to Herbert getting hit early and often. The Chargers will be tested going toe-to-toe with some dynamic offenses over the next few games.

Chargers a potential RB trade spot?

It would not be surprising to see the Chargers make a move at running back. But with Hampton being able to work his way back later this season, L.A. may be patient before making any potential addition. If Hampton takes longer to recover, or if rushing results fail to materialize, perhaps Los Angeles will have to pivot to a more notable name at running back. In the end, Hampton's injury comes at a bad time after he got going recently. Plus, the Chargers are also being challenged heavily regarding their depth.