The Los Angeles Chargers' season has taken a dramatic nosedive, plummeting from an unbeatable 3-0 start straight down to a more precarious 3-2 record. But here's where it gets controversial: key injuries have sidelined their top two running backs, turning what looked like a powerhouse offense into a potential liability. Najee Harris is out for the entire year due to an Achilles tendon issue, while Omarion Hampton's ankle injury will keep him sidelined for at least four games. This sudden loss of talent has left the Chargers scrambling, and now they're actively reaching out to other teams in search of running back reinforcements. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are making calls and exploring options to bolster their depth, whether it's securing a reliable starter or just adding some much-needed backup players to keep the offense moving. For beginners wondering why this matters so much, running backs are the engines of many NFL teams' attacks, carrying the ball, catching passes, and opening up lanes for quarterbacks—think of them as the workhorses that keep drives alive and scores ticking.
For the time being, the load will fall on Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, who'll need to step up and shoulder the workload. But the Chargers aren't just hoping for internal solutions; they're eyeing high-profile options from around the league. Two names that immediately come to mind are veteran Saints running back Alvin Kamara, whose explosive style and playmaking ability could inject some serious dynamism into their offense, and Jets fourth-year tailback Breece Hall, who has been showing promising growth and could provide a fresh, energetic boost if available.
And this is the part most people miss: lurking in the background is Derrick Henry, the Ravens' bruising force. If Baltimore decides to hit the reset button on the 2025 season—perhaps influenced by their connections through former Baltimore executive Joe Hortiz (now the Chargers' GM) and coach John Harbaugh—they might consider moving Henry for maximum value. In that scenario, the Ravens could pivot to younger options like Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, who are already contributing and could form a formidable duo going forward. It's tough to envision the Ravens entering full fire-sale mode just yet, as they're a proud franchise with high expectations. However, a defeat this Sunday against the Rams would leave them at 1-5, creating significant pressure. With a bye in Week 7 followed by matchups against the Bears and Dolphins, the Ravens might soon face the harsh reality of needing to shake things up if their fortunes don't improve.
Of course, the Chargers face an urgent predicament and might not be inclined to wait roughly three weeks to gauge if the Ravens are open to parting ways with Henry. Still, monitoring the possibility of a Henry trade makes perfect sense for any contenders, unless the Ravens demonstrate a clear turnaround in their performance. Imagine, for instance, if the Chargers landed Henry—his power and consistency could transform their ground game, much like how the Titans used him to dominate in previous years, providing a real-life example of how one player can elevate an entire offense.
What do you think, fans? Should the Chargers go all-in on a star like Kamara to make an immediate splash, or would adding depth with someone like Hall be the smarter, more sustainable move? And on the Ravens side, is holding onto Henry through thick and thin the right call, or could trading him now for future assets be a savvy strategic pivot? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a different take altogether? Let's discuss!
