Chargers Eye One Back for Majority of Carries

Head coach Jim Harbaugh says the team may give one running back most of the carries heading into Week 9.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Chargers Eye One Back for Majority of Carries

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team may give one running back the majority of carries heading into Week 9, as the team has rotated its backs considerably through the first seven games. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said the team has discussed adjusting the exact flow of the running back rotation.

Why it matters

The Chargers' running game ranks 18th in the league and has struggled to produce consistent yards, with the backs averaging 2.9 yards per attempt since Week 5. Harbaugh said the goal is to help the running backs get into rhythm and that the team could go with the hot hand.

Hampton has logged 201 snaps and six starts this season, compared with 145 for Keaton Mitchell and 134 for Kimani Vidal. The Chargers averaged 4.01 yards per run play this season, and the rotation's exact shape for Week 9 has not been announced.

The players

Jim Harbaugh

Harbaugh is the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, a former NFL quarterback and college head coach known for his demanding, physical style of play.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel is the Chargers' offensive coordinator, a former NFL head coach who has built a reputation for innovative offensive schemes.

Omarion Hampton

Hampton is the Chargers running back who has carried the ball most often on the team this season.

The details

Harbaugh said the possible change would give one back the majority of carries, and McDaniel said the team had strong consideration and conversation about adjusting the gameplan. In the most recent game against the Rams, Hampton carried nine times for 20 yards and Vidal carried eight times for 23 yards, as the Chargers rushed for 64 yards on 25 attempts.

Since Week 5: Running backs averaged 2.9 yards per attempt.
Sunday: Hampton and Vidal took most carries against the Rams.
Monday: Harbaugh discussed the possible change in running back carries.
Week 9: Possible shift giving one back the majority of carries.

Season Trajectory

The Chargers' ground game has lagged behind the rest of the league, with running backs averaging 2.9 yards per attempt since Week 5 according to Pro Football Focus. How the team resolves its backfield rotation could shape its offensive identity as the season moves past the midpoint.

Fantasy managers rostering Chargers backs should watch how carries are distributed in Week 9, since a clear lead back would concentrate touches and opportunity. The team's rotation shift will determine whether Hampton, Vidal or Mitchell becomes the primary option for weekly lineups.

The takeaway

The Chargers' backfield decision will show whether a more focused workload can restore efficiency to a running game that has averaged under three yards per carry since Week 5. Readers tracking the team should watch Week 9 usage closely, as concentrated carries often signal the coaching staff's confidence in a single option.