OC to use hot hand approach at RB
New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said Monday he'll likely use a "hot hand" approach in the backfield this season, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
"Bad news, fantasy owners," McDaniel said regarding the roles for Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. "Good news is I see all three of those guys producing at a very high level. Bad news is I can't tell you which games those are." Hampton is being drafted in the second round of best-ball drafts currently, which appears to be a rich price for a player involved in what could be a convoluted backfield in 2026. Hampton wasn't handpicked by McDaniel, and the team signed Mitchell to a two-year, $9.25 million deal at McDaniel's request during the offseason. Vidal has the trust of coach Jim Harbaugh after what he did in Hampton's place last season. There are a lot of mouths to feed in this offense as a whole, making Hampton a high-risk, potentially-high-reward fantasy pick.
More Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Football News
Kimani Vidal
Sees little playing time Week 1
Vidal played five snaps (four on offense, one on special teams) and didn't show up on the box score otherwise during then Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
Oronde Gadsden
Catches two passes in limited action
Gadsden caught both of his targets for 32 yards during the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
David Njoku
Brings in all five targets in Week 1 loss
Njoku caught five passes on as many targets for 58 yards during the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
Charlie Kolar
No offensive output Week 1
Kolar played 43 snaps (30 on offense, 13 on special teams) without showing up in the box score otherwise during the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
Tre' Harris
Logs three catches Week 1
Harris caught three of six targets for 20 yards in Sunday's loss to Arizona.
Ladd McConkey
Receives day-to-day label from coach
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh labeled McConkey (rib) as day-to-day Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Harbaugh added that the Chargers will see how McConkey progresses throughout the week before determining his availability for Sunday's game agains the Raiders.
Ladd McConkey
Undergoing testing for ribs injury
McConkey will undergo further testing Monday for a potential rib injury sustained in Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Cardinals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Cameron Dicker
Pair of PATs in stunning loss
Dicker converted both of his point-after tries in Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Cardinals.
Keaton Mitchell
Unimpressive in Chargers debut
Mitchell rushed four times for nine yards in a Week 1 loss to Arizona on Sunday. He added 47 yards on two kickoff returns.
Justin Herbert
Disappointing in Week 1 loss
Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding five rushes for 29 yards in the Chargers' 26-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.