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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Uneven rookie season ends in loss
Mon, Jan 12, 2026, 3:13 PM
Hampton lost a yard on his only carry in the 16-3 wild-card loss Sunday to the Patriots.
Analysis: The rookie was active for the postseason contest despite failing to practice both Wednesday and Thursday due to an ankle injury, but the Chargers opted not to give Hampton any work as Kimani Vidal took all 11 of the team's other RB carries. It was a rollercoaster of a season for the 2025 first-round pick, as Hampton was thrust immediately into prominence Week 1 due to Najee Harris' eye injury and capped off a solid first month with an explosive 165 total yards on 17 touches Week 4 against the Giants. That game ended up being Hampton's only contest over 100 total yards the rest of the season, however, as the 22-year-old missed seven weeks due to a fractured ankle and returned to an offensive line completely in tatters by Week 14. The Chargers are certainly invested enough in Hampton to make him a sought-after fantasy asset in 2026, but the team will need to make a concerted effort to rebuild an offensive line that was decimated by injuries by the end of the season. Hampton is expected to have at least one complementary piece alongside him come next year, whether it be exclusive rights free agent Vidal, a cheaper veteran comparable to the aforementioned Harris or a combination of both. |
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Quentin Johnston Quentin Johnston Makes three grabs in WC loss
Mon, Jan 12, 2026, 12:28 PM
Johnston secured three of six targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round.
Analysis: Johnston finished second on the Chargers in terms of targets behind Keenan Allen (eight), but like the rest of Los Angeles' pass-catching offense which Ladd McConkey led with just 32 receiving yards, he was inefficient versus New England's defense. Still, during the regular season, Johnston demonstrated improved chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, as the 2023 first-round pick managed a respectable 51-735-8 line on 84 targets across 14 regular-season appearances. Johnston also was hampered by shin, hamstring, groin and shoulder injuries during the second half of the campaign. He'll look to take another step forward in 2026, which is currently positioned as the final year of his rookie deal with the Chargers, though the team could exercise his fifth-year option this offseason. |
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Keenan Allen Keenan Allen Inefficient in wild-card round loss
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 11:23 PM
Allen had three receptions on eight targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round.
Analysis: Allen suffered a disappointing end to his return to the Chargers in 2025 when he finished Sunday's playoff loss with a catch rate below 50 percent. The 33-year-old wasn't on the same page with QB Justin Herbert like they were during the regular season when the duo connected on 66 percent of their attempts, resulting in a 81-777-4 receiving line for the veteran receiver. Allen will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, so the future Hall of Famer will be in control of his destiny should he decide to return for a 14th season. |
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Oronde Gadsden Oronde Gadsden Gains 30 yards against NE
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 11:12 PM
Gadsden had three receptions on as many targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: Gadsden's pedestrian receiving line was actually good enough for second amongst Los Angeles receiving options in a dismal passing display on the road against New England. The 22-year-old still can hang his hat on overachieving during the regular season when he produced a 49-664-3 receiving line after being taken in the fifth round of this year's draft. Gadsden never relinquished his grasp on the starting job once he took over for an injured Will Dissly in Week 4. The Syracuse product is in prime position to thrive in his sophomore season when he begins the 2026 campaign as the Chargers' starting tight end. |
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Kimani Vidal Kimani Vidal Starts Sunday's WC loss
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 11:01 PM
Vidal handled 11 carries for 31 yards while catching two of three targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 16-3 wild-card round loss to New England.
Analysis: Vidal got the surprise start in Sunday's playoff loss despite RB Omarion Hampton being available after resting in Week 18. The latter must have suffered a setback to his injured ankle after losing a yard on his only carry. Vidal couldn't take advantage of the opportunity like he did during the regular season when he posted a 155-643-3 rushing line while Hampton was mending on IR. The 23-year-old Vidal will be an exclusive rights free agent this upcoming offseason, meaning that the Chargers can tender a one-year contract to keep him in the organization. That seems like a likely scenario given the second-year rusher's success playing both behind and alongside Hampton this year. |
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Ladd McConkey Ladd McConkey Leads team with 32 yards Sunday
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 10:49 PM
McConkey had three receptions on four targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 16-3 wild-card round loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: The Chargers failed to keep QB Justin Herbert upright against New England's aggressive pass rush Sunday, resulting in barely any shots being taken downfield in a muted performance by the offense. McConkey wound up leading the team in receiving and grabbing the longest reception (20 yards) of the night for his club despite registering a forgettable stat line in the season-ending loss. The sophomore had a down year in 2025 after finishing the regular season with 16 fewer receptions, 360 less yards and one fewer touchdown in the same amount of games played as his stellar rookie campaign (82-1,149-7). McConkey will attempt to reestablish himself as one of Justin Herbert's top receiving options and budding stars of the league when the Chargers regroup this upcoming offseason. |
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Justin Herbert Justin Herbert Postseason woes continue
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 10:39 PM
Herbert completed 19 of 31 pass attempts for 159 yards and took 10 carries for 57 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday's 16-3 wild-card round loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: The narrative of Herbert falling flat in the playoffs grew louder Sunday after he failed to lead a touchdown drive against New England in another early-round exit. This comes on the heels of the signal-caller throwing four interceptions in last year's wild-card round loss to the Texans. The 27-year-old finished the regular season throwing for 3,727 yards with 26 touchdowns to 13 interceptions across 16 starts, but he was without the services of his starting right tackle for the entire season, while star LT Joe Alt missed portions of the year (including Sunday's loss). Assuming Los Angeles' offensive line can hold up in 2026, Herbert should maintain startability as a fantasy option for the upcoming campaign. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Active versus New England
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 5:55 PM
Hampton (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's night's playoff opener against the Patriots, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: After being listed as a non-participant both Wednesday and Thursday, Hampton -- who was sidelined in Week 18 -- was able to return to a limited practice Friday while sporting a brace on his right ankle, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com. Though officially listed as questionable on Los Angles' final injury report, the running back subsequently noted that he planned to play Sunday. With the 2025 first-rounder's active status versus the Patriots now confirmed, Rhim previously indicated that the Chargers are expected to split their backfield workload between Hampton and Kimani Vidal, with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson available in reserve. |
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Tucker Fisk Tucker Fisk Good to go for wild-card round
Sun, Jan 11, 2026, 5:54 PM
Fisk (ankle) is active for Sunday's wild-card contest against the Patriots.
Analysis: Fisk will make his return to action after missing the team's last five regular-season contests with an ankle injury. The tight end will return to his role as the top reserve option behind starter Oronde Gadsden versus New England. |
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KeAndre Lambert-Smith KeAndre Lambert-Smith Lands on IR
Sat, Jan 10, 2026, 5:07 PM
The Chargers placed Lambert-Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday.
Analysis: Lambert-Smith is done for the season after catching five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown across 10 games during the regular season. The rookie fifth-round pick will shift his focus to getting healthy for the 2026 campaign, while Kimani Vidal will likely take over as one of the team's primary kick returners during Sunday's wild-card matchup versus the Patriots. |
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Tucker Fisk Tucker Fisk Activated off IR
Sat, Jan 10, 2026, 4:56 PM
The Chargers activated Fisk (ankle) off injured reserve Saturday.
Analysis: Fisk has been sidelined since Week 13 but will have a chance to make his return during Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Patriots. While he's still listed as questionable, the 26-year-old should resume his role as the team's No. 2 tight end behind Oronde Gadsden versus New England. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Questionable, plans to play
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 2:14 PM
When asked about his chances of playing in Sunday night's postseason opener against the Patriots, Hampton (ankle) -- who is officially listed as questionable for the contest -- replied, "That's the plan," Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: After logging 'DNPs' both Wednesday and Thursday, Hampton was able to work in a limited fashion Friday while sporting a brace on his right ankle, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com. While the running back's assessment of his potential availability this weekend is encouraging, his status will still need to be verified ahead of the Chargers' 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Hampton ends up limited Sunday or even sidelined, added opportunities would be available for fellow RBs Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson. |
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Tucker Fisk Tucker Fisk Could return Sunday
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 2:08 PM
Fisk (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Patriots, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: The Stanford product has missed the Chargers' last six games due to an ankle injury, but following a full week of practice, he could return for Sunday's playoff contest. In 10 appearances this season, Fisk has tallied 19 receiving yards on just two receptions. He must still be activated to the Chargers' active roster in order to play in the wild-card round. If Fisk returns Sunday, he's expected to play a depth role in Los Angeles' tight end corps. |
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KeAndre Lambert-Smith KeAndre Lambert-Smith Missing wild-card round
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 1:29 PM
Lambert-Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Patriots.
Analysis: Lambert-Smith opened the Chargers' week of practice with consecutive DNPs after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 18 loss to the Broncos, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. The rookie wideout from Auburn logged just 53 offensive snaps over 10 regular-season contests this season, catching five of 12 targets for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kimani Vidal will likely step in and operate as one of the Chargers' top kick returners while Lambert-Smith is sidelined for the wild-card round. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Officially questionable for Sunday
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 1:14 PM
Hampton (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card game at New England.
Analysis: After not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, Hampton got back on the field Friday, per Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site, and the rookie first-round pick eventually went down as a limited participant, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Hampton thus has a chance to play for the first time since Week 17 due to an ankle injury, but his status won't be known until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson would be the RBs to benefit this weekend if Hampton is inhibited or sidelined. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Spotted at practice Friday
Fri, Jan 9, 2026, 12:04 PM
Hampton (ankle) was present for Friday's practice, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: Per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, Hampton -- who was listed as a 'DNP' Wednesday and Thursday -- sported a brace on his right ankle during warmups Friday. Still, the running back's attendance for the session is a step in the right direction for him ahead of Sunday night's playoff opener against the Patriots. The Chargers' upcoming injury report will reveal Hampton's official game status, in any case. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Logs another missed practice
Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 5:18 PM
Hampton (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in practice Thursday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: Per Smith, offensive coordinator Greg Roman previously noted that Hampton would be "involved some" in Thursday's session, but that didn't equate to the running back -- who also didn't practice Wednesday -- being deemed an official participant. Hampton now has one more opportunity to log practice reps before the Chargers assign injury designations in advance of Sunday night's playoff opener against the Patriots. If he ends up limited or out this weekend, added backfield opportunities would be available for Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Expected to be involved in practice
Thu, Jan 8, 2026, 2:29 PM
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said that Hampton (ankle) will be "involved some" in practice Thursday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The Chargers' upcoming injury report will reveal the official participation level of Hampton, who didn't practice Wednesday. As for the running back's status for Sunday's playoff opener against the Patriots, Roman noted, "We're going to wait and see on that. He's working through his process with the medical group. He's engaged. He's ready mentally with the game plan." |
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Justin Herbert Justin Herbert Logs full practice Wednesday
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 6:04 PM
Herbert (left hand) practiced fully Wednesday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: The Chargers elected to rest Herbert -- who has been managing a left (non-throwing) hand injury -- in the team's Week 18 loss to Broncos, with an eye toward giving their starting QB added healing time ahead of the postseason. On that topic, Herbert said Wednesday that his left hand feels as strong as it has since before he injured it in Week 13. "Not taking hits on it last week was probably pretty helpful," Herbert noted. Moreover, in preparation for Sunday night's wild-card contest against the Patriots, Herbert took snaps under center during Wednesday's session after having previously waited until Saturday or Sunday to do so of late. |
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KeAndre Lambert-Smith KeAndre Lambert-Smith Not practicing Wednesday
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 2:54 PM
Lambert-Smith (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Lambert-Smith suffered a hamstring injury during the Chargers' Week 18 loss to the Broncos and was unable to return to the contest. The 23-year-old has two more chances to participate in practice before Sunday's playoff matchup against the Patriots. Should Lambert-Smith be unable to return, Tre' Harris and Derius Davis could see a slightly higher snap count at wide receiver. |
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