Chargers Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Trade Deadline

Los Angeles, California — The Los Angeles Chargers received bad news on Monday that could affect their season. Just a day after a victory against the Tennessee Titans, news broke that rookie running back Omarion Hampton will miss at least seven more games due to an ankle injury.

The Chargers, currently holding a 6-3 record and only one game behind in the AFC West, are in a tough spot as the NFL trade deadline looms. Hampton, who has been a standout rookie and the team’s leading rusher, initially suffered the injury during a game against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Although he walked off the field on his own, he has not played since.

Adding to their woes, starting tackle Zion Johnson, who recently missed three games with an ankle issue, suffered another injury during the Titans game and has been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. He is expected to undergo surgery soon. This leaves the Chargers without their top two offensive linemen, crucial for protecting quarterback Justin Herbert.

With the offensive line already struggling, Austin Deculus has tried to fill the gap left by Johnson. Meanwhile, swing tackle Trey Pipkins continues to battle his own injuries, and guard Mekhi Becton has also been inconsistent in his availability.

In Hampton’s absence, Kimani Vidal has stepped up, but notably, Herbert has been the team’s leading rusher for three of the five games that Hampton has missed. Fans are now voicing concerns about the need for the Chargers to make a trade before Tuesday’s 1 p.m. deadline, despite limited salary cap space and draft assets available.

The Chargers had high hopes for their season, especially with ambitions to feature what many expected to be one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines. Injuries, however, have taken a considerable toll as they aim to keep pace in a competitive division.