Kimani Vidal - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Chargers bet on the trenches, adding an edge rusher and a center-turned-guard in the draft

Jim Harbaugh understands the importance of the line of scrimmage, so it wasn’t a surprise that the Los Angeles Chargers used NFL draft capital to bolster their defensive and offens...

APRIL 26 • Associated Press

Deadspin | Chargers RB Kimani Vidal signs 1-year tender to stay with team Deadspin | Chargers RB Kimani Vidal signs 1-year tender to stay with team

APRIL 15 • DEADSPIN.COM

Officially back with Bolts Vidal signed his exclusive-rights free-agent tender with the Chargers on Tuesday, Howard Balzer of USA Today reports.

Impact Los Angeles tendered Vidal as an ERFA early March, and the 2024 sixth-round pick now makes his return for the 2026 season official. The Chargers' offseason has seen Najee Harris (Achilles) depart in free agency, though the addition of Keaton Mitchell from Baltimore represents a new change-of-pace option in the backfield, and potential competition for Vidal's grip on the No. 2 role behind Omarion Hampton. That said, Vidal has to be considered the favorite for the backup role after he broke out with a 155-643-3 rushing line across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025, even if Mitchell ultimately sees more pass-catching reps.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers' Kimani Vidal reveals secret training partner to master the McDaniel offense Chargers RB Kimani Vidal mentioned a particularly interesting offseason training plan to BoltBeat’s Alex Insdorf.

APRIL 5 • BOLTBEAT.COM

How Running Back Keaton Mitchell Fits in Chargers Offense The Chargers on Thursday agreed to terms with the speedy running back who will provide depth alongside Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal

MARCH 12 • CHARGERS.COM

Bolts Tender Kimani Vidal; Extend Jaret Patterson and Kendall Williamson The Los Angeles Chargers today placed an exclusive rights tender on running back Kimani Vidal and signed running back Jaret Patterson and sa...

MARCH 6 • CHARGERS.COM

Garners ERFA tender from Bolts The Chargers placed an exclusive rights free-agent tender on Vidal on Friday.

Impact It essentially locks Vidal in for the 2026 season after he got extended run last season following injuries to both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles). With Harris headed for free agency, Vidal could enter next season as the RB2 to Hampton after Vidal posted a 155-643-3 rushing line across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025. He also added 16 catches for 136 yards and one additional touchdown.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers Players React To Jim Harbaugh Rushing Highlights Chargers players knew Jim Harbaugh held his own as a quarterback in the NFL, but they didn't know he could move like this. Running back Kima...

FEBRUARY 17 • CHARGERS.COM

Best Photos of Chargers Free Agent Kimani Vidal Running back Kimani Vidal recored 996 scrimmage yards and 5 total touchdowns in the 2026 season.

FEBRUARY 11 • CHARGERS.COM

Starts Sunday's WC loss Vidal handled 11 carries for 31 yards while catching two of three targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 16-3 wild-card round loss to New England.

Impact Vidal got the surprise start in Sunday's playoff loss despite RB Omarion Hampton being available after resting in Week 18. The latter must have suffered a setback to his injured ankle after losing a yard on his only carry. Vidal couldn't take advantage of the opportunity like he did during the regular season when he posted a 155-643-3 rushing line while Hampton was mending on IR. The 23-year-old Vidal will be an exclusive rights free agent this upcoming offseason, meaning that the Chargers can tender a one-year contract to keep him in the organization. That seems like a likely scenario given the second-year rusher's success playing both behind and alongside Hampton this year.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Kimani Vidal has Herbet's Back on Brilliant One-Handed Fumble Recovery Running back Kimani VIdal scoops up a fumbled ball from quarterback Justin Herbert and takes it 17 yards for a first-down.

JANUARY 12 • CHARGERS.COM

Kimani Vidal Deploys his Truck Stick Against Craig Woodson on 10-Yard Run Running back Kimani Vidal charges through New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson on 10-yard rush.

JANUARY 12 • CHARGERS.COM

Is Omarion Hampton playing tonight? Why Chargers' RB is on sideline with Kimani Vidal in after injury | Sporting News This is a tricky situation.

JANUARY 12 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

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What is every playoff team good at? What are their biggest concerns? Who could make the difference between a short stay and a deep run in th...

JANUARY 9 • FOX SPORTS

Let's Debate: The Top Strength, Question Mark and X-Factor for All 14 Playoff Teams

Four touches in Week 18 loss Vidal rushed three times for 12 yards and caught one pass for a two-yard loss in Sunday's loss to the Broncos.

Impact After missing Week 17 with a neck strain, Vidal returned to handle four touches in a game the Chargers punted with an eye toward the playoffs. Jaret Patterson led the backfield with eight carries for 29 yards. Vidal should have more of a role next weekend in Los Angeles' wild-card matchup with New England, but Omarion Hampton (ankle) should be ready to go as the Bolts' lead back after resting against Denver. Hampton is the preferred fantasy option of the duo.

JANUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

CB Pat Surtain II stops Kimani Vidal in backfield for turnover on downs | Broncos vs. Chargers Cornerback Pat Surtain II tackles Kimani Vidal in the Chargers' backfield on fourth down.

JANUARY 5 • DENVERBRONCOS.COM

Good to go for Week 18 Vidal (neck) is active for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Impact After missing the Chargers' Week 17 loss to the Texans while recovering from a neck strain, Vidal practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday before putting in a pair of full practices to close out Week 18 prep. The Chargers still listed him as questionable on their final injury report, but the second-year running back displayed enough progress to gain clearance for the regular-season finale. With Omarion Hampton (ankle) sitting out this weekend, Vidal looks to be the favorite to draw the start out of the Los Angeles backfield, but he could struggle to run efficiently behind a banged-up offensive line while taking aim at Denver's second-ranked rush defense (89.7 yards per game).

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Will Kimani Vidal, Omarion Hampton play today? Injury buzz on Chargers RBs vs Broncos Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton injury updates before the Chargers play the Broncos in Week 18.

JANUARY 4 • SI.COM

Questionable for Sunday Vidal (neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Denver.

Impact Meanwhile, Omarion Hampton (ankle) has been ruled out, and Hassan Haskins (concussion) also is listed as questionable. Because QB Justin Herbert (left hand/rest) isn't expected to play this weekend, there's a chance Vidal and/or Haskins also end up on the inactive list Sunday, a scenario that would leave the backfield to some combination of practice-squad members Jaret Patterson and Amar Johnson. Ultimately, the Chargers will need to make decisions on Vidal and Haskins about 90 minutes before a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Kimani Vidal Fantasy Week 18: Projections vs. Broncos, Points and Stats, Start or Sit - Bleacher Nation Kimani Vidal and the Los Angeles Chargers will meet the Denver Broncos and their second-ranked rushing defense (89.7 yards allowed per game)...

JANUARY 2 • BLEACHERNATION.COM

Full practice Thursday Vidal (neck) practice fully Thursday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official reports.

Impact Meanwhile, Omarion Hampton (ankle) didn't practice Thursday and Hassan Haskins (concussion) was limited, so at this stage the composition of the Chargers' Week 18 backfield has yet to be determined. In the wake of his full practice, Vidal is on track to be available Sunday against the Broncos, but if the team elects to rest or limit key players apart from QB Justin Herbert (who will give way to Trey Lance this weekend) it's possible that Jaret Patterson and/or Amar Johnson could be elevated from the practice squad and see their share of touches alongside Vidal in Los Angeles' regular-season finale.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Vidal (neck) returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant.

Impact Omarion Hampton (DNP - ankle) and Hassan Haskins (LP - head) are also on the injury report, after Vidal and Haskins missed Saturday's loss to Houston. Health won't be the only factor, as Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh already said QB Justin Herbert won't play this Sunday at Denver. Other starters may also be held out or pulled early.

DECEMBER 31, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Deadspin | Chargers leading rusher Kimani Vidal inactive vs. Texans Deadspin | Chargers leading rusher Kimani Vidal inactive vs. Texans

DECEMBER 27, 2025 • DEADSPIN.COM

Inactive Saturday Vidal (neck) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Texans, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Impact Vidal was listed as a non-participant in practice both Tuesday and Wednesday, before being estimated as limited on Thursday's report and questionable for Saturday's contest. With Vidal having been made inactive, added touches will be available for fellow RB Omarion Hampton, which boosts the 2025 first-rounder's Week 17 fantasy prospects, while Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson are available to mix in. Vidal's next chance to see game action will arrive in Week 18 when the Chargers travel to Denver for a game that may have major playoff seeding implications.

DECEMBER 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Is Kimani Vidal playing today? Latest injury update, start or sit advice for Week 17 | Sporting News Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is questionable to play in the Week 17 game against the Houston Texans. Here's what we know a...

DECEMBER 27, 2025 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

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Chargers bet on the trenches, adding an edge rusher and a center-turned-guard in the draft

Let's Debate: The Top Strength, Question Mark and X-Factor for All 14 Playoff Teams