Analyst sees 'breakout' potential for Chargers' RB

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Analyst sees 'breakout' potential for Chargers' RB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton was on his way to having a good rookie season before the football gods intervened.

Hampton suffered a nasty ankle injury that ended his rookie year after nine games. He posted 545 yards and 4 TDs before injury struck, and if we average that out across the 17-game season, Hampton was on track to post 1,029 yards in his first year.

Plus, given the Chargers' injuries along the offensive line, for Hampton to be as productive as he was, it was impressive.

Which is why CBS Sports' Garrett Podell has named Omarion as one player who could breakout in 2026.

“Hampton shined brightly at times while the Chargers' offensive line was without both of its projected starting tackles, Rashawn Slater (torn patellar tendon) and Joe Alt (ankle) being out for much of the season,” Podell wrote.

“With both returning to action in 2026 while operating in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme, one that made stars out of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, Hampton is positioned for a massive year in his second NFL season.”

MORE:Rams' Matthew Stafford reveals 2026 plan with Ty Simpson shadow looming

Chargers set to fulfill potential?​

Jim Harbaugh has laid a good foundation in his first two years, with 11 wins in each, but now that Mike McDaniel is in charge of the offense, this feels like the year when Justin Herbert and the entire operation can take a big step forward.

Hampton and the run game will be key to that, so too will the offensive line, and if McDaniel can get everything rolling the way he did in Miami at the beginning of his tenure, then who knows what this L.A. team could become.

Yes, it is all a projection, but the Chargers have all the pieces to make something of themselves in 2026.

They have all the potential in the world, but that has to translate into something tangible.

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