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Chargers announce starting RB in Omarion Hampton vs. Najee Harris competition for Week 1 | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 13:28 GMT by Sporting News
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Chargers Set Running‑Back Order: Omarion Hampton Starts Week 1, Najee Harris Fights for a Share

The Los Angeles Chargers are finally putting the final pieces in place for a front‑court that has been the subject of speculation for weeks. In a press conference on Friday night, head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco confirmed that third‑round pick Omarion Hampton will be the starting running back for the season’s opener, while former Pittsburgh Steelers star Najee Harris will compete for a role in the backfield. The decision reflects both the roster’s depth at the position and the organization’s desire to maximize the talents of two dynamic ball‑carriers.

A Competitive Backfield

Hampton, who was drafted 79th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, showcased his potential during training camp with strong performances in the preseason. He finished the two‑game slate with 122 rushing yards on 26 carries, including a memorable 32‑yard run that highlighted his power and vision. “We’ve seen a lot of promise from Omarion,” Staley said. “He’s a rookie who has shown he can handle the ball and make defenders miss. He’s ready to step up.”

Najee Harris, a former first‑round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, was traded to the Chargers in the offseason. The trade was sealed for a 2024 first‑round pick and a second‑round pick in 2025, giving the Chargers a future draft capital that will help rebuild their roster. Harris signed a four‑year, $58 million contract, a deal that will allow him to focus on contributing on the field without the burden of contract negotiations. “We’re excited to have Najee,” Telesco said. “His talent and experience are huge assets. He’ll be a key part of our offensive scheme.”

Both players have agreed to the team’s vision: a hybrid offense that blends power runs with play‑action passes, designed to keep defenses guessing. The Chargers’ coaching staff emphasized that the backfield will operate on a shared‑back concept, with each player given opportunities in different play packages. This approach is reminiscent of the “committee” style that has served the team in the past, but now it will be backed by the raw athleticism of Hampton and the proven production of Harris.

Context and Roster Implications

The Chargers have struggled at the running back position since the departure of former star Tyreek Hill and the trade of former running back James Conner. The 2023 season saw the team lean heavily on a pass‑heavy attack, with the offense ranking 28th in rushing yards per game. By bringing in a rookie who can punch the ball hard and a veteran who can orchestrate the offense, the Chargers aim to revitalize their ground game.

The roster move is also a strategic one in light of the NFL’s new 48‑man active roster rule that came into effect in 2023. Teams are now permitted to carry 48 players, including a dedicated “flex” player who can be rotated into various roles. Staley hinted that the Chargers plan to keep Harris on the 48‑man roster in a “flex‑back” capacity, allowing him to line up in both the backfield and as a receiving threat out of the backfield or slot.

Hampton’s arrival is part of a broader roster overhaul under the new ownership group headed by Peter Guber, with the intention to create a “winning culture.” The Chargers have already made several moves in the offseason, adding tight ends and pass‑rushing talent to balance the offense. The coaching staff’s emphasis on a balanced attack will likely help the team become more competitive in the AFC West, a division that has seen fierce battles between the Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos.

The Week 1 Game: A Crucial Test

The Chargers’ first game of the 2024 season is a showdown against the New England Patriots on Sunday night. It is the first time the franchise has faced the Patriots since 2016, and the matchup is expected to test the Chargers’ revamped offense. The Patriots’ defense is renowned for its speed and discipline, and the Chargers’ coaches are eager to see how the rookie/future veterans duo will fare against such a stout unit.

In a press conference, Staley highlighted that the Patriots will present a “tight‑knit defensive front” that will require the Chargers’ running backs to find soft spots in the line. “We’re going to run a mix of inside runs and power runs,” Staley said. “We’ll also use a lot of misdirection to keep the Patriots guessing.”

With Hampton at the top of the depth chart, the Chargers will be looking to establish a running game early on. The offense will need to find a rhythm, and the coaching staff hopes that Harris’s experience will guide the rookie in adjusting to the speed of the NFL. If both backfield contributors perform well, the Chargers could become a formidable offensive unit in a league that has become increasingly pass‑centric.

A Forward‑Looking Vision

While the Chargers have a lot of work ahead of them, the announcement of Omarion Hampton as the Week 1 starter and Najee Harris as a contender for the role signals a new direction for the team’s offensive strategy. By investing in a rookie with explosive power and pairing him with a veteran with proven production, the Chargers are positioning themselves to rebuild a backfield that has long been a weakness.

The front office’s willingness to trade a future first‑round pick to acquire Harris, along with the new contract terms, demonstrates a commitment to creating a balanced roster that can compete immediately. With a 48‑man roster, a hybrid running back strategy, and a clear vision for a powerful offense, the Chargers’ 2024 campaign is set to begin with the promise of a fresh, dynamic approach that could surprise opponents and energize the fan base.

Only time will tell if this new backfield can translate into wins, but the Chargers’ proactive steps in the offseason indicate that the organization is serious about turning a long‑standing issue into a competitive advantage. Fans can look forward to seeing Omarion Hampton’s rookie impact in the opening game, while Najee Harris’s experience will serve as a steadying force for a team eager to re‑establish itself as a contender in the AFC.