Is Omarion Hampton playing vs. Patriots? Why Chargers RB is off to slow start

The Los Angeles Chargers are welcoming back running back Omarion Hampton in the wild-card game against the New England Patriots.

Hampton has been battling an ankle injury that kept him out of the Week 18 game, but he was able to get cleared in time for the playoff matchup against the Patriots on Sunday night.

However, Hampton was not on the field for the first drive of the game for the Chargers. Here's what's up.

Is Omarion Hampton playing vs. Patriots?

Yes, Hampton is active and healthy, he just didn't see the field on the opening series.

It's likely that the Chargers are just managing his snaps, seeing as how he might not be 100%. Don't be surprise if we see more of Kimani Vidal and less of Hampton throughout the course of this game.

More NFL News

• Why Bills' road playoff win is good omen for Super Bowl hopes
• Harbaugh-Packers rumor is bad news for Giants, good news for Dolphins
• Ben Johnson's electric locker room speech after Bears vs. Packers
• Ben Johnson explains how Packers gave Bears extra motivation
• Why Ben Johnson, Matt LaFleur shared unfriendly handshake