The Los Angeles Chargers are set to receive a significant offensive boost as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles in a pivotal Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who has been sidelined since Week 5 with a fractured ankle, is expected to be activated from injured reserve and play. The Chargers are also optimistic that star quarterback Justin Herbert, who underwent surgery on his fractured left hand just days ago, will be under center. The question on everyone’s mind is: is Justin Herbert playing? All signs point to yes, as both he and the team have expressed confidence throughout the week.
Hampton’s return is a welcome sight for a Chargers rushing attack that has weathered significant injuries. The first-round pick suffered the ankle fracture in the second half of a Week 5 loss to Washington, just one game after a breakout 128-yard performance against the New York Giants. Before the injury, Hampton was emerging as a vital piece of the offense, especially after veteran Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3. Over a three-week span from Weeks 3 to 5, Hampton was a consistent force, ranking third in the NFL with 364 yards from scrimmage and catching 17 passes, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His stats through five games—314 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries, plus 20 receptions for 136 yards—highlight his potential impact.
In Hampton’s extended absence, sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal stepped up admirably, producing three 100-yard rushing games and earning praise from head coach Jim Harbaugh as a “No. 1 running back.” The Chargers’ backfield will now be bolstered further with the expected activation of Hassan Haskins from IR, giving Los Angeles multiple options. To make room for Hampton on the active roster, the team waived defensive tackle Naquan Jones, who had appeared in eight games this season.
The bigger storyline, however, surrounds the quarterback. Herbert, who sustained the hand injury in a Week 13 win over the Raiders, had a plate and screws inserted during surgery on Monday. He was a limited participant in practice all week and is officially listed as questionable. Herbert has maintained that he is preparing to play, stating, “The plan is to prepare as if I’m going to play.” Coach Jim Harbaugh has echoed that optimism, noting daily improvement. If Herbert cannot go, backup Trey Lance would make his first start for the Chargers. Even if Herbert plays, he may operate primarily out of the shotgun and pistol formations to protect his grip, with Lance potentially handling certain short-yardage or goal-line packages.
This game carries major playoff implications for both 8-4 teams. The Chargers currently hold the No. 5 seed in a crowded AFC wild-card race, while the Eagles are firmly in the NFC playoff picture. Los Angeles begins a brutal final stretch of five consecutive games against teams .500 or better, making a healthy Herbert and a returning Hampton crucial for their postseason aspirations. The Eagles’ defense, which allowed 281 rushing yards in a recent loss to Chicago, could be vulnerable to a rejuvenated Chargers ground game. With key players returning from injury, Monday night’s prime-time clash at SoFi Stadium is shaping up to be a defining moment in both teams’ seasons.