Fantasy football managers just can’t have nice things. After Omarion Hampton looked like a potential league-winner coming out of Week 4, the Chargers’ rookie running back has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, sidelining him for at least the next four weeks.
With Najee Harris done for the season, Hampton had exploded onto the scene as the clear workhorse in LA, logging 89% of offensive snaps in Week 4 and 83% in Week 5 before getting hurt. In a little over a full game, he totaled 165 rushing yards, 11 receptions, and a touchdown, giving off serious bell-cow vibes for fantasy owners.
Now, with Hampton shelved, the Chargers’ backfield is wide open. Two names immediately enter the fantasy conversation: Hassan Haskins or Kimani Vidal? Both have compelling cases (sort of), but which one should you prioritize off the Week 6 Waiver Wire this week?
Let’s break it down.
A CHARGERS’ BACKFIELD WITHOUT OMARION HAMPTON
Before diving into Haskins vs. Vidal, it’s worth noting the context here. Los Angeles’ running back room is thin. Najee is already out for the season, and the only other back on the practice squad is undrafted rookie Amar Johnson. The Chargers could (and likely will) explore external options, perhaps a reunion with Gus Edwards or even a trade if Hampton’s recovery timeline extends past the four weeks.
Still, in the short term, fantasy managers must work with what’s available. And for now, that means Haskins and Vidal.
HASSAN HASKINS FANTASY OUTLOOK
When Hampton went down, Hassan Haskins was the first man up. Before the injury, Haskins was already operating as the primary backup, playing six snaps compared to Vidal’s two. After Hampton exited late in the third quarter, Haskins handled eight of nine snaps on the ensuing drives, taking over all early-down duties.
Haskins’ usage points to trust, which is something that carries a ton of weight in a Jim Harbaugh offense. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound bruiser also played for Harbaugh at Michigan, where he ran for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final season. Harbaugh knows what he’s getting with Haskins: a tough, downhill runner who can handle volume and wear down defenses.
That skill set could be especially valuable in Week 6 against Miami. The Dolphins’ defense just surrendered over 200 rushing yards to Rico Dowdle and the Cowboys. If the Chargers can stay competitive, Haskins should get plenty of chances to grind between the tackles.
Is he flashy? Absolutely not. But fantasy football isn’t about style points; it’s about touches and opportunity. If Haskins gets 15–18 carries (which is realistic), he’s a safe bet for RB2 production. The Wolf has him ranked RB24 this week, which feels about right given the matchup and projected volume.
If you’re desperate for an RB during the Week 6 byes (the Texans and UK Vikings are off), Haskins is your plug-and-play option.
KIMANI VIDAL FANTASY OUTLOOK
If you’re more of a “swing for upside” type, Kimani Vidal might be your guy. The former Troy standout, and RSJ pre-draft favorite, has flashed explosiveness and versatility when given the chance. Though he only saw limited action after Hampton’s injury, Vidal turned four carries into 18 yards and added a reception in the fourth quarter. He played mostly with the backups once the Chargers pulled their starters, but that doesn’t mean he’s irrelevant.
Vidal’s pass-catching chops could earn him a larger role if Los Angeles trails in games or needs a spark on offense. As a rookie in 2024, he totaled 155 rushing yards on 43 attempts while catching five passes for 62 yards, showing decent efficiency.
In deeper leagues or PPR formats, Vidal is a sensible stash. He may not get heavy early-down work immediately, but if the Chargers find themselves playing from behind (and with their offensive line banged up, that’s likely), Vidal could carve out a sneaky role as the team’s primary passing-down back.
Long-term, Vidal might also offer more upside if the Chargers bring in another veteran back to share time with Haskins. He’s younger, quicker, and has more juice in the open field.
HASSAN HASKINS OR KIMANI VIDAL: WHICH RB TO ADD?
For now, Hassan Haskins is the clear priority on the waiver wire. He’s the next man up, has Harbaugh’s trust, and figures to lead the Chargers’ backfield in carries against the Dolphins. Expect something like a 65/35 split between Haskins and Vidal, with Haskins handling early downs and Vidal getting third-down and hurry-up work.
But this is the Chargers, and nothing is ever simple. Injuries have decimated their offensive line, and the team could easily make a roster move before Sunday. That makes both Haskins and Vidal “wait-and-see” options for fantasy managers who aren’t desperate to start them immediately.
If you need a Week 6 RB2 or flex, Haskins is your guy, and if you’re looking for a stash who could grow into a bigger role or take over in the passing game, Vidal is intriguing.
It might not feel great to add something called Hassan Haskins in 2025, but fantasy football is a volume game, and he’s in line for it. Vidal remains the upside stash, but Haskins should see the bulk of the work for as long as Hampton is out.
