Vikings’ Upcoming Opponent Loses Major Weapon on Offense

The Minnesota Vikings were given an early bye this season, and at the time of the schedule reveal, that looked like a curse. Fast forward to where they are now, and getting extra time to rest and find health couldn’t be better.

When the Vikings return to the field in Week 7, they’ll welcome the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles to U.S. Bank Stadium. One week later they travel to Los Angels for a game against the Chargers. If that contest didn’t already have enough storylines, another one has been added to the mix.

Omarion Hampton out for Charges against Minnesota Vikings

In Week 8, assuming he’s back under center for Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy will square off against his college coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers, and Harbaugh, will be without one of their best weapons too.

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said RB Omarion Hampton will be placed injured reserve, sidelining him a minimum of four games due to his ankle injury.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2025

The Chargers used a first round pick (22nd overall) on Omarion Hampton this year. The North Carolina rookie running back looked like one of the best talents in the draft, and he was elevated to a starting role with veteran Najee Harris suffering a season-ending injury. Hampton will now be sidelines through Week 9 with an ankle injury.

Through five games for Los Angeles, Hampton turned in 314 yards while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He hauled in 20 of his 22 targets for another 136 yards, and scored a pair of touchdowns. To say he had quickly become an integral part of Justin Herbert’s weaponry would be putting it lightly.

Now down their top two running backs, even three weeks from now when Minnesota makes the trek out west, the lone options remaining a limited at best. Hassan Haskins in the only running back on the active roster, while Kimani Vidal and Amar Johnson are stashed on the practice squad.

Vikings must shore up run defense

The Minnesota Vikings were projected to have one of the best front sevens in football this year. That has not become a reality as they deal with injuries. Getting Blake Cashman back at linebacker would be huge, but Andrew Van Ginkel remains out and his return is murky at best.

Minnesota gave up 110 yards on 23 carries to Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins on Sunday. They were gashed by Bijan Robinson with the Falcons, and they couldn’t contain Steelers backup Kenneth Gainwell either.

It’s beyond time they shut down the opposing running attack, and the Chargers lack of talent could give them a chance. First they’ll have to contend with Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and the Tush Push in Week 7.

Minnesota will gladly take the week off to get Jordan Addison and J.J. McCarthy locked in. From there it’s back to work.