Chargers Add Kimani Vidal, Place Omarion Hampton on Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Chargers announced significant roster changes, placing running back Omarion Hampton on the Reserve/Injured list. In a strategic decision, the team has signed Kimani Vidal to the active roster from their practice squad. Additionally, running back Nyheim Hines has joined the practice squad.
Kimani Vidal: A Promising Addition
Kimani Vidal was selected by the Chargers as a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, ranking 181st overall. During his rookie season, he participated in 10 games, showcasing his skills as a standard elevation player for the Chargers in Weeks 4 and 5. In total, Vidal has played 12 games in his career, with notable statistics including:
- 1-yard touchdown catch
- 4 carries for 18 yards (4.5 yards per carry)
- 25-yard kickoff return
Vidal made an impressive debut by scoring a touchdown on his first NFL touch. He is now among the 11 players in Chargers history to achieve a receiving score in their first game. His rookie stats also include:
- 155 rushing yards on 43 attempts (3.6 avg.)
- 5 receptions for 62 yards (12.4 avg.)
His collegiate career at Troy was remarkable, as he finished with the highest rushing yards in program history (4,010) over four seasons (2020-2023). He ranks as follows in Troy’s records:
- Most rushing attempts: 781
- Most 200-yard rushing games: 5
- Tied for most 100-yard rushing games: 14
- Tied for third in rushing touchdowns: 33
Vidal’s versatility extends to the receiving game, where he amassed 92 receptions for 700 yards during his college career, earning the title of 2023 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year and third-team All-American. Interestingly, Vidal is the great-nephew of the legendary Hank Aaron, a Hall of Fame baseball player.
Nyheim Hines: Experience and Versatility
Nyheim Hines has a solid NFL background, previously drafted by the Indianapolis Colts as a fourth-round pick in 2018 (104th overall). After training camp with the Chargers, he brings a wealth of experience, having participated in 81 regular-season games and making 17 starts. His career highlights include:
- 1,202 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns on 306 carries (3.9 avg.)
- 240 receptions for 1,778 yards (7.4 avg.) and 8 receiving touchdowns
Hines has also made a significant impact on special teams, with:
- 89 punt returns for 1,015 yards (11.4 avg.)
- 32 kickoff returns for 817 yards (25.5 avg.)
Notably, he has earned the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award twice, most recently in Week 18 of the 2022 season. His college career at North Carolina State from 2015 to 2017 saw him rushing for 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns. During his standout 2017 season, he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was named Sun Bowl MVP.
Both Vidal and Hines will contribute significantly to the Chargers’ roster as the team navigates challenges this season.
