Chargers urged to make big trade to bolster injury-depleted running game

NFL.com projects the Los Angeles Chargers will soon make a trade for a running back and maybe even an offensive lineman to help a running game decimated by injuries.

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With offensive tackle Joe Alt not practicing Wednesday and star rookie Omarion Hampton still on Injured Reserve, it certainly feels like the Los Angeles Chargers need to make a trade for a running back. But will they?

As of now, it feels like Kimani Vidal enacted a stay of execution on a deal.

MORE: Chargers could target these RBs making big NFL trade buzz before deadline

Vidal produced 138 total yards and a touchdown in last week's pulsating win over the Dolphins in Miami, temporarily cooling the hot rumors about the Chargers trading for a running back. Nonetheless, NFL.com still believes head coach Jim Harbaugh's team will pull the trigger on a deal to upgrade the position until Hampton's ankle heals.

In a story projecting every team's priority before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, the website still points to running back.

MORE: Chargers favored over NFL-best Colts thanks to optimism about Mack, Alt injury update

"L.A. is in the market for an RB, but Vidal showed enough against the Dolphins that I think he should get another week as the lead back before the Chargers need to make a move in the backfield," NFL.com writes. "The more pressing issue is the battered offensive line, which was forced to start 31-year-old journeyman, who hadn't played in a regular season game since the 2022 campaign or started one since 2021. So I'm going to continue pointing to that unit as the biggest need -- even if no one appears to be selling any obvious replacements.made it work well enough against a limp Miami defense. Pray for him if the Chargers can't get healthier down the stretch."

The woeful Jets are expected to be sellers at the deadline, pulling the plug on a woeful season. If that's the case, most experts believe running back Breece Hall will be an attractive commodity.

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