With rookie starter Omarion Hampton on injured reserve and veteran free-agent signee Najee Harris lost for the season due to an Achilles tear, the Chargers' backfield depth has been severely tested. But, on Thursday Night Football against the Vikings, Los Angeles found its answer.
The Chargers found their insurance back on Thursday night in sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal, who rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown.
"I just want to prove them right."
Kimani Vidal is taking this opportunity and running with it 🔥 #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/c0S6EuTF0v
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 24, 2025
Vidal, a product of Troy, has risen from the practice squad to claim Los Angeles' RB1 spot in Hampton and Harris' absence. He was tasked with igniting Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman's run-heavy offense and didn't disappoint in the Chargers 37-10 win.
Here's more on his performance as the Chargers advanced to 5-3.
MORE: Everything to know about emerging Chargers rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II
Kimani Vidal stats vs. Vikings
Rushes: 23
Rushing yards: 117
Rushing TDs: 1
Receptions: 1
Receiving yards: 10
Receiving TDs: 0
With Harris out for the season and Hampton on the injured reserve with an ankle injury, Los Angeles needed someone to be the RB1. Vidal was the answer on Thursday, tallying of a total on the ground.
Vidal broke off a few big carries on Thursday night, his longest for 21 yards.
Another big gain by Vidal!
MINvsLAC on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LgO0G2r9mJ
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2025
Right before, Vidal showed how tough he is to tackle.
Kimani Vidal was not going down easy on this run 😤
MINvsLAC on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LesZ6t9iqU
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2025
Vidal's touchdown came in the red zone, with the running back taking a Justin Herbert handoff into the end zone.
Kimani Vidal adds 6️⃣ for the @Chargers! MINvsLAC on Prime Video Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/SFOfdtTTte — NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2025
The running back broke off another big play to get over the 100-yard mark for the night.
Kimani Vidal over 100 yards rushing 💪
MINvsLAC on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XkVKWr8CBx
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2025
MORE: Herbert throws three touchdowns as Chargers stomp Vikings 37-10
Kimani Vidal season stats
After getting zero carries for the first quarter of the season, Vidal put up his second 100-yard game on Thursday night.
This was the third game for the Chargers without Hampton and Harris.
Week Opponent Result Rushing Att Rushing Yds Rushing TD Receptions Receiving Yds Receiving TD
5 vs. Commanders L 10-27 4 18 0 1 1 0
6 at Dolphins W 29-27 18 124 0 3 14 1
7 vs. Colts L 24-38 9 20 0 4 15 0
8 vs. Vikings W 23 117 1 1 10 0
Season 53 279 1 9 40 1
MORE: Herbert throws three touchdowns as Chargers stomp Vikings 37-10