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    Hampton: McDaniel compared me to Terrell Davis

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    LAC Running Back #8
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    Omarion Hampton said new Chargers OC Mike McDaniel has compared him to Hall-of-Famer Terrell Davis.

    Huge, if true. For his part, Hampton seemed unfamiliar with Davis’ game but vowed to “check out his highlights.” This might seem like a silly summer storyline — and, to be clear, it is — but it does at least serve to highlight that Hampton remains comfortably ahead of free agent addition Keaton Mitchell, who has taken up lots of digital ink this offseason. McDaniel’s comparison means very little, but you don’t throw out the name Terrell Davis for a back you aren’t planning to be one of the cornerstones of the offense. Currently being drafted in the low-end RB1 range, Hampton’s ADP is sky high considering his limited rookie accomplishments, but he could end up being in the right place at the right time with McDaniel’s proven fantasy system coming to Los Angeles.
Have expectations 'in check' for Nabers this week
Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter consider Malik Nabers return to practice, but advise to temper expectations this week for the superstar wide receiver.

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  • LAC Running Back #8
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    Popper fielded a question about Hampton’s top-10 chances as a guest on the Locked On Chargers show. The metrics for measuring this feat were left undefined, but rushing yardage or scrimmage yardage are the two most likely baselines. While OC Mike McDaniel has teased a potential hot-hand approach, Popper has remained steadfast in his stance that Hampton is set for bellcow duties thanks in part to speed, physicality and scheme versatility. He warrants RB1 treatment right out of the gate.
  • LAC Running Back #34
    Mitchell’s box score would have looked a lot better if his 21-yard reception on a route out of the backfield had not been called back due to a penalty. Chargers starting RB Omarion Hampton played all three snaps on the opening drive before giving way to Mitchell, who played 10-of-10 snaps on the second and third drives. Fellow backup RB Kimani Vidal took the field as the Chargers’ kick returner to begin the game. He made his first appearance on offense on the Chargers’ fourth drive. Mitchell could return standalone FLEX value with big-play upside in this role. He reportedly visited the blue medical tent, but was allowed to return to the sideline. Hopefully, this is a non-issue.
  • LAC Running Back #28
    Vidal stayed in for two drives and did not catch his only target. Tonight’s start suggests Vidal is behind RB Keaton Mitchell on the depth chart. Mitchell did not play, nor did starting RB Omarion Hampton. Vidal is a proven, capable fill-in starter, but he should only be drafted as the Chargers’ RB3 at this time.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    Earlier this week, McDaniel said he plans to employ a hot-hand approach at the running back position and plans to “use all three of those guys probably every game.” NFL Daily co-hosts Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue helpfully followed up on those comments, specifically regarding their fantasy football implications. McDaniel encouragingly prefaced his response by saying, “no one has to worry,” adding that benching productive players is “bad business.” If you were already bullish on one or more of Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal, these comments can be taken positively. Reading between the lines, if Hampton, the starter, proves his value as the team’s RB1, he should receive a fantasy-friendly workload.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    Speaking to reporters Monday, Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that all three of Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal will be featured in the backfield this season. “Good news is I see all three of those guys performing at a very high level,” McDaniel said. “Kinda play hot hand once you’re into games.” While that’s not the best news for fantasy managers that invested second round picks into Hampton, the opportunity for the Chargers to turn heads on the scoreboard could result in a case of “a rising tide raises all ships.” McDaniel famously, and recently, made two backs top-six producers in fantasy points per game in the same season, with both Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane finishing 2023 in that range. Whether a similar situation transpires in Los Angeles remains to be seen.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    It’s the kind of thing fantasy managers hate to hear. When speaking about his running backs on Monday, McDaniel said, “I see all three producing at a very high level,” while saying the workload for each back could depend on the opponent and who has the “hot hand.” While it’s certainly concerning on the surface, we feel pretty confident in Omarion Hampton having the safest role as far as fantasy is concerned, while Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal could prove a bit more volatile. Their volatility has been baked into their ADP all offseason, as Mitchell is often going in the 12th or 13th round of drafts while Vidal often goes undrafted. It may take some time to get a good sense of McDaniel’s plans for the backfield, but we would expect a clear-cut RB1 and RB2 to emerge this season.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    McDaniel said you could see how focused Hampton was between the offseason program and the start of training camp. Coaches praising their players is nothing new, but it can’t hurt for a second-year back to catch the eye of one of the most successful play-callers in the NFL. Hampton appeared in only nine games as a rookie, and his role declined in the second half of the season. Currently going off the board as fantasy football’s RB8, Hampton needs to improve in year two to pay off his lofty ADP.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    “If McDaniel can build a top-five offense, Hampton will be an essential part in that process,” Popper writes while noting that he “has a chance to be one of the best running backs in the league. That is not hyperbole.” It seems some of you have already caught on as Hampton is being drafted ahead of backs like Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Walker, and Derrick Henry as a top 10 RB by ADP. Assuming he can avoid the injuries that derailed his rookie season, Hampton has a chance to finish as one of the best backs in fantasy football this season.
  • LAC Running Back #30
    Vidal, Moton said, could drop to RB3 on the Chargers’ depth chart this offseason if free agent signing Keaton Mitchell is healthy following a 2024 knee injury that kept him sidelined for much of the 2025 season in Baltimore. The Chargers in march re-signed Vidal to a one-year deal as an exclusive rights free agent after he ran for 643 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 season. He also caught 16 passes on 20 targets, mostly when Omarion Hampton was sidelined with injury. Look for Mitchell to gain steam in fantasy circles if Vidal leaves LA in the coming weeks or months.
  • LAC Running Back
    Popper, like other observers and analysts, says Mitchell is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing offense. Mitchell last week signed a two-year contract with LA worth $9.3 million. The explosive Mitchell, who last season ran for 341 yards at a 5.8 yards per carry clip in Baltimore, compares favorably to De’Von Achane, who was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in McDaniel’s system in Miami. Though Omarion Hampton is likely to remain the Chargers’ lead back in 2026, Mitchell could see a handful of designed touches that might make hum flex viable in what should be a run-first Bolts offense. Mitchell would have a shot at RB1 duties in 2026 if Hampton once again struggles with injuries.

Rotoworld

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    Cowboys signed TE Brevyn Spann-Ford to a three-year extension through 2029.

    Spann-Ford initially signed on with the Cowboys as a 2024 undrafted free agent. He has caught 18 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown since then. The front office is evidently pleased with his development. He is not worth rostering in 12-team leagues. The deal is worth $18 million with $12.075 million guaranteed.
  • ARI Outside Linebacker #10
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    Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat (knee/rest) was limited on Thursday.

    Sweat barely practiced this summer, supposedly dealing with a knee injury, while the Cardinals brass assured reporters that there was nothing to see here. The player was reportedly displeased with the team, but as of Week 1 practices, he remains a Cardinal. He is on track to face the Chargers this weekend.
  • LA Wide Receiver #8
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    Rams declared WR Tutu Atwell, WR CJ Daniels, OL Bill Murray, TE Max Klare and QB Ty Simpson inactive for Week 1 against the 49ers.

    The Rams acquired Atwell via trade in August. Although he already knows the system, coach Sean McVay evidently feels that Atwell is unnecessary for this one. Incumbent QB Stetson Bennett has officially defeated Simpson for the QB2 job. Simpson is inactive, but has been labeled the emergency third quarterback.
  • SF Running Back #29
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    49ers declared RB Jordan James inactive for Week 1 against the Rams.

    James has officially lost the backup job to rookie RB Kaelon Black, who should be safely stashed on fantasy benches before kickoff. The 49ers also declared QB Kurtis Rourke, CB Ephesians Prysock, WR Jordan Watkins, LB Tatum Bethune and OT Enrique Cruz inactive for Week 1 against the Rams.
  • NE Wide Receiver #1
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    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Patriots WR A.J. Brown (ankle) will miss at least four weeks.

    NFL insider Jordan Schultz puts Brown’s return timeline between 3 and 6 weeks. Both reports make Brown a candidate to be placed on short-term injured reserve. The rest of the Patriots’ wide receiver corps failed to step up in Week 1. Newcomer WR Romeo Doubs will undoubtedly be given a chance to earn his hefty contract in Week 2.
  • SEA Quarterback #14
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    Seahawks QB Sam Darnold suffered an “unusual muscle strain,” and injured reserve is not being considered at this time.

    The report comes from the Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, who adds that “there is no timetable” for Darnold’s recovery, which will be based on “how he feels and how he recovers.” Pelissero referred to QB Drew Lock as “the likely starter” for the Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Cardinals.
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    The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein reports that the Packers and TE Tucker Kraft are unlikely to agree on a contract extension before the season opener.

    Silverstein believes the deal’s total value likely isn’t as important to the Packers as the structure. Kraft is still likely to reset the tight end market, but since he is returning from a season-ending ACL tear and has “yet to show he’s picked up where he left off last year, it may take some time for the deal to come together.” In the meantime, as long as he takes the field, Kraft can be treated as a TE1.
  • ARI Running Back #4
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    Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was limited on Thursday.

    Love is on track to play in Week 1 against the Chargers, though he could rotate in behind RB Tyler Allgeier, the team’s nominal starter. Earlier today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said “it looks like” Love is going to be active for the season opener, though he stopped short of declaring it. Love would be a FLEX starter or better if active.
  • PIT Cornerback #24
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    Steelers CB Joey Porter (back) was limited on Thursday.

    Porter is still on track to play in Week 1 against the Falcons. Whether his limitations are truly injury-related or contract-related is anyone’s guess. The team will tell us his status tomorrow.
  • CIN Cornerback #0
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    Bengals CB DJ Turner (hamstring) was limited on Thursday.

    Defensive injuries aren’t always notable. This one is. Turner, 25, is an up-and-coming star defender, capable of challenging No. 1 wide receivers. If he is absent on Sunday, Buccaneers wide receivers will have a far easier time getting open.