The Los Angeles Chargers managed to stay undefeated with a last second field goal against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. But they also saw running back Najee Harris suffer a likely season-ending Achilles tear.
Harris will undergo further testing before the Chargers make any decisions, however, early reactions don't paint a positive light on the injury. Luckily for Los Angeles, the franchise invested heavily in running back during the offseason.
First-round pick Omarion Hampton had an opportunity to truly prove himself once Harris went down. He turned 19 carries into 70 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Furthermore, he caught six passes for another 59 yards. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was blown away by Hampton's performance, via Kris Rhim of ESPN. Which will be crucial as the rookie steps into a much larger role.
“Man, what a game he had. How about that?” Harbaugh said. “He put that work in today, and he was running with a purpose. Gritty performance by him. Just always lunging forward, surging forward.”
Hampton had been involved in the offense, he received 15 carries in Week 1. However, Harris' absence ramped up his responsibilities in a hurry. Since the Chargers used their first-rounder on him, it seems likely that at some point in the season they'd want Hampton to ascend as their rushing leader. But perhaps Los Angeles didn't expect that to come in Week 4. And with Harris out of the picture.
The Chargers will look to keep their undefeated streak going against the New York Giants in Week 4. Hampton will be much more involved in the game plan leading up to the matchup. In the wake of Harris' injury, the rookie is well aware of what he must do.
“I definitely got to step up,” Hampton said.
