Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal remained in a backup role in a Week 8 win over the New Orleans Saints. Vidal carried the ball six times, gaining 16 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, starter J.K. Dobbins got 21 touches and commanded the backfield once again. Vidal is worth rostering in most formats because he'd immediately skyrocket into the RB2 conversation if Dobbins were forced to miss time, but Vidal won't be a fantasy asset on his own unless he ascends into the starting role.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal is not a fantasy option in Week 8 when the Bolts take on the New Orleans Saints. Vidal showed a spark in Week 6 but was then mostly uninvolved in Week 7. He's the clear backup to starter J.K. Dobbins, but unless Dobbins misses time, Vidal seems like he'll remain in a backup/change of pace role for now. He's worth rostering and keeping on the bench, but he shouldn't be in a starting lineup outside of the deepest formats.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal got four touches in a Week 7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Vidal ran the ball three times, gaining a total of 10 yards and made a catch on his only passing game target, gaining nine yards through the air. Vidal got a lot of hype after his Week 6 performance but is still clearly far behind starter J.K. Dobbins in the Chargers backfield. He's a top-tier direct backup but likely won't have much value on his own as long as Dobbins stays on the field. The Chargers face the New Orleans Saints in a Week 8 game on Sunday.
Kimani Vidal Looks To Continue Growing His Role In Week 7
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal will look to keep his role in the Chargers backfield growing in a Week 7 Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. Vidal started the season fourth on the depth chart, but an injury to Gus Edwards (ankle) and strong performances from Vidal in small sample sizes have taken him up to second on the depth chart behind starter J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins has a three-down skill set, so Vidal will spend most of the game on the sidelines, but he would immediately enter the high-end RB2 rankings if something were to happen to the Chargers starter. He has the kind of upside that makes him worth being stashed in most formats.
Kimani Vidal Scores His First NFL Touchdown In Week 6
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal scored the first touchdown of his NFL career in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Vidal ran the ball four times, gaining 11 yards. He was targeted twice in the passing game and made the most of it, scoring a 38-yard touchdown and gaining 40 yards total through the air. Vidal only got six touches total, but his workload should be going up after this solid performance and with Gus Edwards (ankle) now on IR. J.K. Dobbins will clearly be the RB1 on the Chargers offense, but Vidal should work his way into the main backup role before long. He should be picked up off waivers wherever he's available.
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal will be active for the Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The rookie back will get his first taste of NFL action on Sunday. Vidal figures to serve as depth behind J.K. Dobbins with Gus Edwards (ankle) heading to the injured reserve. The Chargers also have Hassan Haskins on the roster, so he could be mixed in as well. Given Dobbins' injury history, Vidal is certainly someone to keep an eye on right now. He should be rostered in most dynasty leagues and is someone worth keeping on the radar if he gets involved this weekend.
Kimani Vidal, Brenden Rice Both Inactive Against Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal and wide receiver Brenden Rice have officially been ruled inactive on Sunday. Vidal has been making strides to make his way onto the roster and was thought to be in the mix to get meaningful snaps along with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Hassan Haskins will be the one to move into the third-string role in the backfield. In terms of Brenden Rice, he was also expected to get some snaps as the fourth wideout but will miss the season opener. Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will see the bulk of the opportunities in the receiving corps. Vidal and Rice's statuses will be something to monitor heading into Week 2, but they're more viable as stashes in dynasty formats right now.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic projects that Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal will make the roster and be listed third on the depth chart behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. The competition for the third running back slot appeared to be wide open heading into the Chargers' final preseason game, with Vidal, Jaret Patterson, and Isaiah Spiller all competing for the role. Vidal didn't play in the preseason finale, which could suggest that he's already locked up a roster spot. The rookie led the team in rushing yards during Week 2 of the preseason, and he also caught two passes. Even if Vidal is confirmed as the Chargers' No. 3 running back, he should be avoided in fantasy football given his depth role behind Edwards and Dobbins.
Kimani Vidal Leads The Chargers Backfield In Preseason Game 2
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal led the Chargers backfield in their second preseason game. Vidal ran the ball 11 times for 49 yards, leading the team in both carries and yards. He was also targeted three times in the passing game, catching two for an additional eight yards. Vidal is behind at least Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart, but the sixth-round rookie has certainly shown some promise so far.
Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller Battle It Out For The Chargers' No. 3 RB Spot
Los Angeles Chargers running backs Kimani Vidal and Isaiah Spiller are locked into a positional battle for the No. 3 running back spot behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (Achilles). With Dobbins recovering from injury and Edwards no stranger to injury himself, this team's No. 3 running back is an important position. Spiller is the incumbent but also a product of the previous regime. Spiller has only rushed for a total of 137 yards on 2.5 YPC in two seasons in the NFL. Vidal was a sixth-round pick out of Troy in April's draft. With a solid size-to-speed ratio, Vidal is an exciting young prospect. If Dobbins and Edwards get and stay healthy through training camp, then it is more likely that this positional battle will come down to blocking acumen and special team play. Given that Vidal is the pick of the Harbaugh regime and Spiller has been so abysmal to start his career, Vidal may be able to separate himself. If he wins the job and Dobbins or Edwards gets injured, Vidal could be a sneaky fantasy add in a Chargers offense that projects to be run-heavy.
