The Los Angeles Chargers were able to improve to 3-2 on the season following a big road win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Chargers looked like a team that had used its bye week wisely and made necessary adjustments along with getting some key players back from injury.
One of the new wrinkles in the team's offense was the addition of rookie running back Kimani Vidal, who saw his first action of the regular season in this game. Chargers fans have been calling for this for weeks but it took Gus Edwards being placed on injured reserve to create the spot needed for Vidal.
The sixth-round pick made the most of his chance.
Vidal's first touch in the NFL resulted in a touchdown. On this play, he showed that he can be more than just a crafty runner. This was an amazing grab and the team has been missing this ever since Austin Ekeler left in free agency.
kimani vidal's first nfl touch is a td
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 13, 2024
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/D8GD2ZOroo
Vidal had just 11 yards rushing on four attempts in his NFL debut but this 38-yard touchdown catch was one of the biggest plays of the day.
The Chargers were conservative in bringing Vidal along but there is no reason why he shouldn't be more involved the rest of this season. He was placed on the gameday inactive list in each of the team's first four games and that should be a thing of the past, even when Edwards is healthy.
The Chargers will still rely on J.K. Dobbins and a healthy Edwards for the bulk of their carries, but mixing in the athletic and uber-talented Vidal is a must. The team was able to see what he can do in limited action on Sunday so it would be counter-productive to do anything but gradually increase his reps for the rest of this season.
