Kimani

Vidal

“Vidal played a season-high 35 offensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15,” Popper writes. “He gave up four pressures. His head was swimming trying to process coach Todd Bowles’ blitz packages. When Vidal was in position, he did not have the physicality to handle the Tampa linebackers.” That’s a pretty stark assessment of Vidal’s odds of being more than a change-of-pace back to Najee Harris going forward. Popper believes the Chargers should be looking to add at running back in the draft. None of this is to say that Vidal can’t take a step forward in 2025, but it doesn’t look like we should enter training camp expecting him to have a huge role in the LA offense even before we see if they add a back in the draft.

Haskins was the second running back into the game and handled the second-most running back touches behind J.K. Dobbins. With nine total touches for 40 yards, he worked ahead of Kimani Vidal, who rushed five times for 24 yards and did not catch either of his targets. Neither Vidal or Haskins maintain fantasy relevancy as long as Dobbins is active and the backfield would morph into a committee if Dobbins and Gus Edwards were to both miss a game. Keep Haskins and Vidal on benches for Week 18.

Edwards promisingly began the week with a Tuesday LP but was unable to practice after that. With J.K. Dobbins (knee) labeled as questionable to play, in his bid to return from short-term injured reserve, RB-needy fantasy managers should add rookie Kimani Vidal, if possible. Dobbins will likely handle a significant workload if active.

Edwards also caught one pass for two yards. The tailback was completely held in check outside of the touchdowns until he had a 43-yard burst late in the game to make this statline look much more “even” in terms of the touchdowns and rushing yards. The two scores double his total on the season to four, and the yardage total is a season high. It’s also worth noting that the 14 carries nearly tripled Kimani Vidal’s five attempts (for 14 yards), so to say he was the top option in the rushing attack is an understatement. Edwards will be a FLEX option for Week 17 against the Patriots.

Vidal’s totals are uninspiring but his three carries were only five less than team leader Gus Edwards’ eight. The Chargers’ ground game simply couldn’t get going against the Buccaneers. Vidal was promisingly involved as a pass-catcher early on though, earning two targets on the opening drive. He notably played on 100.0 percent of the pure passing downs and out-snapped Gus Edwards 3-to-1 in the red zone. Vidal is an RB5 against the Broncos but his current role is intriguing.

Vidal was used sparingly in the first half but was given more opportunities after the break, ultimately finishing with eight carries and one target to the 10 carries of lead back Gus Edwards. It was Edwards who found the end zone, which ultimately proved the difference between the two timeshare backs. Vidal remains unlikely to see enough weekly volume to warrant fantasy consideration, something that shouldn’t change when the Chargers host the Buccaneers in Week 15.

Vidal was not targeted in the passing game. With J.K. Dobbins (knee) on injured reserve, Vidal jumped Hassan Haskins on the depth chart, though he was the clear-cut No. 2 back behind Gus Edwards. Haskins also remained somewhat involved. Vidal did have the longest gain with a 16-yard rush. With Edwards possessing one of the hardest ceilings in the league, Vidal could easily command more work down the stretch provided he avoids turnovers and blown blitz pick-ups. The Bolts visit the Chiefs for Week 14.

Dobbins, who sustained a knee sprain last week against the Ravens, could miss more than this Sunday’s game against Atlanta, according to Rapoport. Gus Edwards will likely operate as the Chargers’ lead back with Dobbins sidelined, and rookie Kimani Vidal could take on pass game work. Hassan Haskins, meanwhile, will threaten Edwards’ goal line role. Edwards is nothing more than a touchdown-dependent RB2 for Week 13.

Edwards returned to the LA lineup after a six-week absence following a serious ankle injury. His 10 carries were short of J.K. Dobbins’ 15 rushing attempts, and he was vultured at the goal line by Hasaan Haskins. Edwards had a long rush of 11 yards against Tennessee. Kimani Vidal was a healthy scratch against the Titans with Edwards back in the fold, meaning Edwards would likely be the team’s RB1 should Dobbins miss any time over the next month and a half.

The rookie will be a healthy scratch with Gus Edwards back in action for LA. Vidal had seen 11 rushing attempts and some pass game work over the past couple weeks. Those opportunities will likely go to Edwards, as JK Dobbins continues to lead the Chargers backfield.