Running Back RouletteGet alerts

2026 NFL backfield

Los Angeles Chargers running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Omarion Hampton

Preferred handcuff

Kimani Vidal

Vidal shares the backup line with Mitchell.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Omarion Hampton’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

The Chargers’ official Sept. 8 depth chart lists Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal behind Omarion Hampton. With Mitchell limited in practice, Vidal is a cautious projection in an unresolved committee.

The Chargers’ official Sept. 8 depth chart lists Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal behind Omarion Hampton. With Mitchell limited in practice, Vidal is a cautious projection in an unresolved committee.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • committee risk
  • role uncertainty

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Los Angeles Chargers, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Los Angeles Chargers full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Omarion HamptonPublished starter
Three-down back2025 · Round 1 · Pick 22active
RB2
Keaton Mitchell
Change-of-pace backDraft history unavailableactive
RB3
Kimani VidalPublished handcuff
Early-down runner2024 · Round 6 · Pick 181active
FB1
Alec Ingold
FullbackDraft history unavailableactive
FB2
Scott Matlock
Fullback2023 · Round 6 · Pick 200injured reserve
Unlisted
Amar Johnson
Role under reviewUndraftedpractice squad
Unlisted
Greg Desrosiers Jr.
Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squadAssignment needs review

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Omarion Hampton

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Powerful, agile first-round back and the Chargers' clear feature runner in a revamped offense — reliable hands, punishing contact balance, three-down profile. The one red flag is that injuries to both ankles wiped out most of his rookie year.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 1 · Pick 22

Drafted by LAC; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 9 recorded games include 124 carries and 32 receptions on 35 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Change-of-pace back

Keaton Mitchell

Age 24 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not establishedDated board designation: Questionable
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Pure home-run speed threat brought in as a change-of-pace weapon and now in a tight RB2 race with Vidal. Explosive in space but slight, with a major knee injury behind him — not a candidate to carry a full workload.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Omarion Hampton. The dated board currently prefers Kimani Vidal for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Omarion Hampton. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 13 recorded games include 59 carries and 9 receptions on 12 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Early-down runner

Kimani Vidal

Age 25 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Compact, tough runner with reliable vision who put up 643 rush yds and three TD filling in for Hampton — proof he can handle real volume. Offers passing-game utility Mitchell does not, making him the likelier lead back if Hampton's ankles act up again.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Omarion Hampton. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 6 · Pick 181

Drafted by LAC; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 13 recorded games include 155 carries and 16 receptions on 22 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

FB1 · Fullback

Alec Ingold

Age 30 · 8 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Among the NFL's best all-around fullbacks — elite lead blocker, sure-handed on check-downs and a core special-teamer. Occasional short-yardage carries only; not a factor in the RB pecking order.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Omarion Hampton. The dated board currently prefers Kimani Vidal for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 9 recorded games include 2 carries and 8 receptions on 11 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

FB2 · Fullback

Scott Matlock

Age 26 · 4 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Converted defensive lineman used as a heavy-package fullback, currently on IR. No bearing on the running back rotation.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Omarion Hampton. The dated board currently prefers Kimani Vidal for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 6 · Pick 200

Drafted by LAC; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Amar Johnson

Age 23 · 1 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Amar Johnson is a second-year player listed by LAC at RB, from South Dakota State. The official roster lists him at 5-10 and 205 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Greg Desrosiers Jr.

Age 25 · Rookie · practice squad

Back to depth chart

The Los Angeles Chargers official roster page did not corroborate this roster-feed assignment when checked. The assignment needs review. Official roster checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT.

Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Individual scouting research is pending. The recorded workload and draft history below provide the available context.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Omarion Hampton. The dated board currently prefers Kimani Vidal for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Omarion Hampton
91243273715.1
Kimani Vidal
13155167799.1
Alec Ingold
928611.6
Amar Johnson
Greg Desrosiers Jr.
Keaton Mitchell
135994044.3
Scott Matlock
Omarion Hampton: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 417 touches
Wk 518 touches
Wk 1415 touches
Wk 1516 touches
Wk 1617 touches
Wk 1722 touches
Kimani Vidal: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 117 touches
Wk 1326 touches
Wk 1415 touches
Wk 1513 touches
Wk 165 touches
Wk 184 touches
Alec Ingold: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 62 touches
Wk 81 touches
Wk 101 touches
Wk 151 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 181 touches
Keaton Mitchell: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 134 touches
Wk 146 touches
Wk 158 touches
Wk 169 touches
Wk 1711 touches
Wk 182 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.