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The Best RB1 Option For The Los Angeles Chargers With Omarion Hampton On IR

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Nikko Buenavidez | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 2:09 PM ET

With Omarion Hampton on injured reserve, the Los Angeles Chargers are back to searching for answers in the backfield. Two names are next up on the depth chart, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, and the decision might come down to trust over flash.

The Chargers’ Case For Hassan Haskins

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Hassan Haskins feels like the safer bet. The Michigan alum made his name running through contact and doing the dirty work. In his final college season, he totaled 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns, and that physical style still shows.

Haskins has seen limited action in the league, just 34 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, but coaches know exactly what they’re getting.

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After Hampton went down, he saw five attempts compared to four for Vidal. At 6 feet 2 and 228 pounds, Haskins brings size and pass protection ability, the kind of traits that earn quick trust from a staff looking for stability.

The Case For Kimani Vidal

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Kimani Vidal brings more versatility. The former Troy standout joined the Chargers with a reputation for production after two 1,000-yard seasons in college. In limited time, he’s logged 47 carries for 173 yards and 6 catches for 63 more, showing enough burst to make plays in space.

At 5 feet 8, Vidal isn’t built for power sets, but he offers better agility and receiving ability than Haskins. His vision and balance make him a threat when the offense spreads the field, though consistency in pass protection remains the key to earning more touches.

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While neither is particularly impressive, for now, Haskins fits what the Chargers need. Harbaugh obviously trusts him as his former and current coach, so it’s likely he gets the starting nod.

With the offense still trying to find rhythm on the ground behind a dismal line, reliability matters more than explosiveness. Vidal is the dynamic option who could pop if he gets a good matchup.

Both will get work, but if the Chargers need a steady RB1 while Hampton heals, Haskins has the staff’s confidence. Vidal will mix in on passing downs and could carve out a bigger role with efficiency.

The battle is close, but trust usually wins in these situations. Haskins has it. Vidal still has to earn it.

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

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