After a 3-0 start, the Los Angeles Chargers have dropped their last two games. To make matters worse, the team’s Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders came with an added cost.

Rookie running back Omarion Hampton was spotted in a walking boot following the team’s 27-10 loss to the Commanders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

Hampton, 22, had to leave in the middle of game due to an ankle injury. He’ll reportedly undergo tests Monday to determine the severity of the issue. The walking boot suggests Hampton could miss some time.

Prior to leaving the contest, Hampton had 12 carries for 44 yards and six receptions for 26 yards. He had been acting as the team’s primary running back after free-agent signing Najee Harris was lost for the season with an Achilles injury.

After Hampton left the contest, the Chargers relied on a combination of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins at running back. Neither player did much with the Chargers in catch-up mode. 

While Hampton opened the season in a split role, big things are expected of the rookie over his career. The Chargers selected Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting the team believes he can be a standout NFL starter. 

The previous two games, it looked like Hampton was living up to that billing. The rookie averaged 99 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards and a touchdown over that period. With his injury in Week 5, Hampton’s breakout could be delayed for a few games. 

Despite this lofty draft position, Hampton wasn’t the best rookie running back involved in Sunday’s contest. That honor belongs to Commanders rookie runner Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who broke out with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

Croskey-Merritt lasted until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.