The Los Angeles Chargers look set to keep rookie running back Kimani Vidal active for the first time this season. With veteran Gus Edwards out with an ankle injury, the 2024 sixth-round pick may finally get involved on offense. The question is: How many snaps will he get?
Through four games played, JK Dobbins has led the way with 56 attempts to Edwards' 38. Former Michigan Wolverines and Tennessee Titans running back Hassan Haskins, signed to primarily be a core special teamer after the preseason, has just three attempts so far.
The Chargers desperately need a second back who can create when the blocking isn't perfect and be a factor in the third-down passing game. Edwards has been neither so far, struggling with efficiency as a runner and only contributing two yards as a receiver.
I don’t care that it’s preseason Kimani Vidal is going to be that guypic.twitter.com/dfu6vFshTf
— ًBoltUpYo (@BoltUpYo) August 19, 2024
Vidal may, at minimum, find his way onto the field on third down. Here is what general manager Joe Hortiz had to say about Vidal after the draft:
One, he can carry the rock. He's done it very well during his career there. He has great vision, burst, excellent contact balance, strength. He's not a tall back, but he's not a small back. He's 215 pounds, I think, and just runs through arm tackles, can make guys miss, take a hit, stay on his feet, great balance, strong. DBs are closing in on him, he'll punch them with a stiff arm and just keep going. He just competes. He also offers something in the passing game, as well. When you watch him block, it's impressive. He will throw it up in there against a blitzing linebacker.
Regardless of role, Vidal being active is a positive step in the right direction and exactly what Chargers fans have been clamoring for.
