Overview
- Hampton has been on injured reserve with an ankle injury since Week 6 and became eligible to return in Week 10.
- Jim Harbaugh has indicated he expects the return-to-practice window to open after the Week 12 bye, keeping a Week 13 appearance possible but unconfirmed.
- Reporters have observed Hampton working on a side field without a walking boot, signaling continued recovery.
- A designation to return would start a 21-day practice period, after which the Chargers must activate him to the 53-man roster for game eligibility.
- In Hampton’s absence, Kimani Vidal has posted at least 95 rushing yards and a touchdown in each of his three starts, reducing urgency to accelerate the rookie’s timeline.