How to watch Los Angeles Chargers vs San Francisco 49ers: Position battles sorted out and last chance to make the team - Yahoo Sports
Jim Harbaugh and Chargers players (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The banged-up Los Angeles Chargers have landed former Indianapolis Colts standout running back Nyheim Hines following Omarion Hampton’s move to the injured reserve.

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Per ESPN’s Kris Rhim, the Chargers signed Nyheim Hines to their practice squad following a workout on Tuesday. Rhim added the veteran running back “has a chance to play this week” because of injuries in the RB room.

The Chargers put Omarion Hampton on the injured reserve with an ankle injury that he suffered in Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders. The Bolts lost No. 2 RB Najee Harris for the season when he tore his Achilles in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos.

Signing Nyheim Hines was one of two notable moves by the Chargers on Tuesday, as GM Joe Hortiz also acquired standout edge rusher Odafe Oweh in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Chargers are also without All-Pro offensive tackle Rashawn Slater for the year after he suffered a torn patellar tendon in training camp. Star edge rusher Khalil Mack (dislocated elbow) remains on the IR, and offensive tackle Joe Alt (ankle) missed week 5 against Washington.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Nyheim Hines Could Star Immediately Chargers Offense

Los Angeles Chargers Sign Popular Running Back In Desperate Move After Losing Rookie Omarion Hampton To Injury - NewsBreak
Nyheim Hines (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
In today’s NFL, it’s not difficult for quality teams to find stud running backs. The Chargers love to run the ball under Jim Harbaugh, so Hines should get every chance to be the difference-maker on offense with Hampton sidelined.

Hines was a reliable No. 2 running back with the Colts in 2018 and 2020, recording 739 and 862 yards of offense, respectively. He’s listed as a running back but has done more work in the passing game, with 1,778 receiving yards and 1,202 career rushing yards, per Pro Football Reference.

Hines hasn’t played since 2022, as he suffered a horrific knee injury in a jet ski accident during the 2023 offseason. Now healthy, we’ll see if he can provide a short-term boost the banged-up Bolts badly need.