The Los Angeles Chargers made two huge running back acquisitions in the 2025 NFL offseason, but both players are currently on injured reserve. Najee Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Bolts to help share the backfield load with first-round pick Omarion Hampton, who was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Harris tore his Achilles tendon during Week 3, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. Hampton was placed on IR in early October and has a couple more weeks before he is eligible to return, barring any setbacks in his healing process.

Currently, the Bolts have running back Kimani Vidal on their 53-man roster. Vidal is a second-year player whom they drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has stepped up in the absence of the top backs, leading the team in rushing in two of the last three games. Vidal rushed for 100 yards in both Week 6 and Week 8. While he is holding up well, Los Angeles still needs a clear, consistent solution to their running back challenges, especially as Vidal only managed 20 yards in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.

### The Running Back Situation: Harris and Hampton’s Impact

Before their injuries, Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton combined for 375 rushing yards, showing promise in the Chargers’ backfield. This season, the Bolts have leaned heavily on their passing game, with quarterback Justin Herbert leading the league in passing yards. This offensive style may explain why the running back committee hasn’t posed a significant threat to opposing defenses so far.

### Potential Trade Target: Carolina Panthers’ Rico Dowdle

Christopher Kline of FanSided suggests that adding Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle could help the Chargers make a Super Bowl push.

> “The Los Angeles Chargers built their offense around the run last season. Justin Herbert has spent a lot more time chucking it in 2025, which is generally a positive development, but Los Angeles still needs to maintain balance. You know that is how Jim Harbaugh prefers it,” Kline wrote.
>
> “An injury to rookie Omarion Hampton has opened the door for a short-term investment at running back. Rico Dowdle is a free agent at season’s end, but he’s enjoying a dominant stretch with Carolina in lieu of an injured Chubba Hubbard, with 368 yards over his last three starts. Dowdle’s 5.6 yards per carry currently leads the NFL. He’s the workhorse running back who could take the Chargers’ offense to another level.”

Dowdle has accumulated 551 yards and two rushing touchdowns through seven games, both numbers on pace to be career highs if he continues his strong performance. He is averaging 5.6 rushing yards per carry this season—the highest among Panthers running backs and would be the best among all current Chargers running back options.

### Rico Dowdle’s Role in the Chargers’ Backfield

It’s important to note that Rico Dowdle would only be a temporary solution until Omarion Hampton returns from injured reserve. When the rookie gets back on the field, it could create an intriguing backfield dynamic.

Kimani Vidal is emerging as a serious candidate for the team’s second option at running back with Najee Harris out for the year. If Hampton returns healthy and Vidal continues to produce effectively out of the backfield, Dowdle’s role in Los Angeles could diminish.

Vidal’s inconsistency in his second season is a hurdle he must overcome to maintain a prominent role. On the other hand, if Hampton struggles to regain his earlier season form, Dowdle could potentially become the team’s primary running back option—a long shot but a possibility.

### Trade Deadline Approaching

The Los Angeles Chargers have until November 4th to make any trade acquisitions before the NFL trade deadline passes. With sustained injuries at the running back position, acquiring a player like Rico Dowdle could provide much-needed stability and boost the team’s postseason aspirations.

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Stay tuned for updates on the Chargers’ backfield situation as they navigate this challenging portion of their 2025 campaign.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/los-angeles-chargers/chargers-urged-to-trade-rico-dowdle/