Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has big plans for the running back duo of Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell.
Hampton quickly made an impression during his rookie season in 2025. Despite appearing in just nine games, he flashed the ability to become a dynamic weapon in the backfield.
Mitchell showed similar promise in his time with the Ravens. Because of that, the Chargers are excited about the potential of their running back duo.
Mitchell is an explosive back with electric speed, but injuries have derailed his career thus far. However, if he can stay on the field, McDaniel has high hopes for the type of season he and Hampton could have together.
“He’s as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands in space,” McDaniel said of Mitchell. “He’s a matchup issue for every defense. I think he has a lot of pass-game value that he hasn’t been able to really represent in his career, but it’s showing so far in camp. He’s a playmaker that I’m very excited about.”
McDaniel said he hopes Mitchell can help in the passing game and also complement Hampton and Kimani Vidal.
McDaniel and the Chargers hope Mitchell can return to his rookie form in 2023, when he showed explosive speed and elite efficiency. In his rookie season with the Ravens, Mitchell averaged an NFL-best 8.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts. He hit a top speed of 20.9 MPH that season as well, which was the fastest speed reached by any Ravens ball carrier in 2023.
There is a ton of potential with Mitchell, who is only about to enter his fourth season in the league. The 24-year-old has an opportunity to revitalize his career in 2026 and play a key role in helping the Chargers’ offense and backfield reach new heights.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Why Mike McDaniel is excited about Chargers’ running back duo
Reporting by Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
