Chargers' Kimani Vidal: Joined in backfield by Hampton
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In Monday night's game against the Eagles, Vidal is in line to work in a Chargers backfield that will welcome Omarion Hampton (ankle) back from IR, per Eric Smith of the team's official site.
It remains to be seen how heavy of a workload Hampton sees in his return, but his presence is destined to impact Vidal's volume going forward. In nine games to date, including seven as a starter after Hampton was injured Week 5, Vidal has logged 121 carries for 543 yards and three TDs to go along with 13 catches (on 17 targets) for 63 yards and another score. Either way, Monday night's snap counts and carry/target distribution will be telling with regard to Vidal's chances of maintaining a degree of fantasy utility down the stretch, with Hampton now back to reclaim his key role in the Chargers backfield.
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Chargers' Kimani Vidal: Career-best outing in win
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Vidal tallied 25 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-14 win over the Raiders. He also caught his lone target for 11 yards.
Vidal exploded for a 59-yard scamper to kick off the scoring in the second half, by far the longest run of his young career, and that resulted in the go-ahead touchdown in a game the Raiders rarely threatened. Nominal starter Omarion Hampton (ankle) looks like he is close to making his return after a seven-game absence, which would in essence end Vidal's opportunity as the team's lead back. If this was the final hurrah, the second-year back was truly marvelous, compiling 24-plus touches for the third time in five weeks. Vidal at minimum will likely still spell Hampton, although neither back should be expected to have a big Week 14 game against a Philadelphia defense that has stifled most opponents on the ground this year.
Vidal will be the Chargers' top running back Sunday against the Raiders after Omarion Hampton (ankle) was ruled out for that contest, Eric Smith of the team's official site reports.
The Chargers designated Hampton for return from injured reserve Tuesday, and he proceeded to be limited on all three practice reports before the team made a ruling on his status for Week 13. With Hampton still sidelined, Vidal will lead L.A's backfield for a seventh straight game. In the first six, he combined for 103 touches for 450 yards from scrimmage and three total TDs. Because Vidal is the only RB on the active roster, some combination of Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams will be brought up from the practice squad by Saturday afternoon.
Vidal (thigh) returned to Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Vidal had exited the contest due to a thigh issue, but he was able to return to the Chargers' Week 11 backfield, which also includes Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams.
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Chargers' Kimani Vidal: Stymied in lopsided loss
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Vidal rushed five times for 13 yards and brought in both targets for minus-1 yard in the Chargers' 35-6 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.
Vidal was stonewalled on his few opportunities, and a game script that saw the Jaguars eventually pull away from the Chargers essentially put a quick end to any fantasy hopes the running back and his fantasy managers had. Vidal also battled through a thigh injury that led to a brief exit from the game, and he ultimately finished with his lowest rushing yardage total in any game during which he's logged any carries this season. Sunday may have been Vidal's final game in the lead-back role as well, as Omarion Hampton (IR, ankle) may be ready to return for a Week 13 home matchup against the Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 30 following the Week 12 bye.
Vidal exited Sunday's game against the Jaguars after sustaining a thigh injury.
Before hurting his thigh, Vidal had carried three times for 11 yards and caught both of his targets for minus-1 yard. Amar Johnson and Trayveon Williams are available to handle the Chargers' backfield duties while Vidal is sidelined.
Chargers' Kimani Vidal: Serves as workhorse on SNF
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Vidal took 25 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown while adding 13 yards on one reception in Sunday's 25-10 win over Pittsburgh.
Vidal bounced back in a big way from a forgettable showing against the Titans last week (12-30-0). The 23-year-old set a new personal high with Sunday's 25 carries while cashing in his second rushing touchdown (third overall) through five starts for the injured Omarion Hampton (ankle). The latter is expected to remain out until after the Chargers' Week 12 bye, affording Vidal at least one more opportunity to operate as the team's lead back. Fantasy managers should be wary against Jacksonville next Sunday, as Vidal has alternated stud and dud performances in each of the aforementioned five starts this season.
