Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Hampton will be placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. The rookie running back will miss a minimum of four games.
“He has been getting into a really good rhythm, playing really well,” Harbaugh said Monday. “Special player. That was an unfortunate occurrence.”
Hampton injured his left ankle during the third quarter of the Chargers’ 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. The injury appeared to occur when Hampton was inadvertently tripped while running a short pass route on fourth-and-2. Hampton fell to the turf and got up favoring his ankle.
The Chargers running back checked out of the game and didn’t return.
Hampton was in a walking boot inside the Chargers’ locker room after the game.
The Chargers backfield has been depleted by injuries. Veteran running back Najee Harris suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles in Week 3.
Hampton and Harris were slated to be the team’s top two running backs this year. Hampton leads the Chargers with 314 rushing yards and two rushing TDs. He also has added 20 receptions for 136 yards.
With Hampton now out for at least four weeks, the Chargers will turn to running backs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to shoulder the load.
The Chargers have lost two games in a row after starting the season 3-0. They travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 6.
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