Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) runs the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium.

Kimani Vidal began the season as a depth piece on the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. By Week 8, he's become the only healthy running back on the team's active roster.

Vidal, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, did not make the Chargers' 53-man roster out of training camp this year. He was waived on Aug. 26 as part of the team's final roster cuts and re-signed to Los Angeles' practice squad one day later.

Then Najee Harris tore his Achilles in Week 3, ending his season. Then first-round rookie Omarion Hampton injured his ankle in Week 5, landing him on injured reserve and making him ineligible to play for the Chargers' next four games.

Los Angeles signed Vidal to its active roster on Oct. 8, the same day it placed Hampton on IR.

Now, with former third-string running back Hassan Haskins declared out for Week 8 with a hamstring injury, Vidal was the only active Chargers running back healthy for "Thursday Night Football." Los Angeles promoted two running backs from its practice squad on Oct. 23, prior to the game.

Here's what to know about the second-year back:

Kimani Vidal stats

  • Games: 4 (2 starts)
  • Rush attempts: 31
  • Rushing yards: 162
  • Yards per attempt: 5.2
  • Rushing touchdowns: 0
  • Targets: 10
  • Receptions: 8
  • Receiving yards: 30
  • Receiving touchdowns: 1

Kimani Vidal fantasy outlook

Vidal burst onto the fantasy scene in Week 6 with an outing against the Miami Dolphins that included 138 scrimmage yards (124 of them as a rusher) and a touchdown on 21 touches. In PPR leagues, he tallied 22.8 points. In standard scoring leagues, he still had a 19.8-point day.

The second-year running back's second start, against the Indianapolis Colts' comparatively better rushing defense, was less impressive. Vidal finished with 35 scrimmage yards on 13 touches, including a far worse performance on the ground – nine carries for 20 yards – as the Chargers trailed by several scores for almost the whole game.

Vidal's fantasy output in Week 7 added up to 7.5 points in PPR leagues, and 3.5 in standard.

Entering Week 8, Vidal and the Chargers are facing a Minnesota Vikings unit that has tended to defend opponents' passing attacks better than rushing. However, Minnesota is coming off of a Week 7 loss that featured a perfect passer rating from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, while running back Saquon Barkley averaged 2.4 yards on 18 carries.

Vidal will still be the lead back for Los Angeles in Week 8, especially with Hassan Haskins now also sidelined with a hamstring injury. But that might not necessarily mean he's in for a big day.

Who is Kimani Vidal related to?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Vidal is the great-nephew of former home run king, Atlanta Braves icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.

Chargers RB depth chart

The Chargers are in dire straits at the running back position. Vidal was the only healthy tailback on Los Angeles' active roster prior to Oct. 23, when the team elevated two of the four veterans on its practice squad ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Here's who the Chargers have in their running backs room, with practice squad players denoted with an asterisk (*).

  • Kimani Vidal
  • Hassan Haskins (out – hamstring)
  • Omarion Hampton (IR – ankle)
  • Najee Harris (IR – Achilles)
  • Nyheim Hines*
  • Jaret Patterson*
  • Amar Johnson*
  • Trayveon Williams*

Hampton is out until at least Week 10 after the Chargers placed him on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Harris is out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Week 3.

The Chargers have already declared Haskins out for Oct. 23's Week 8 clash with the Vikings with a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles promoted both Hines and Patterson on Oct. 23. Both players will serve as extra backups for Vidal for "Thursday Night Football."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Kimani Vidal? What to know about Chargers' new RB1

Reporting by Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect