The Los Angeles Chargers placed a second running back on injured reserve this past week, and that position is expected to be a focus for them with the Nov. 4 trade deadline less than a month away.
The Chargers have been calling teams for running back help, canvassing the league for either a depth piece or a starter, sources say.
Los Angeles lost free-agent signing Najee Harris for the rest of the season to a torn Achilles in Week 3, while rookie Omarion Hampton will miss at least four games after he was placed on IR this week with an ankle injury.
That leaves the Chargers with Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal as their main backs beginning this Sunday against the Dolphins.
The Kansas City Chiefs are also among the teams asking about running backs, sources say.
Among the RBs expected to garner interest from around the league are the Saints' Alvin Kamara (who does not want to be traded) and the Jets' Breece Hall (who said this week that he wants to remain in New York).
This past week featured a few notable trades. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was traded to the Bengals, the Browns swapped cornerback Greg Newsome II for Jaguars corner Tyson Campbell, and Ravens pass rusher Odafe Owehwent to the Chargers in a deal that sent safety Alohi Gilman to Baltimore.
Here are some other trade nuggets in advance of the deadline, according to sources around the league:
- The Jaguars might not be done trading. Expect Jacksonville to call around for more help on defense, likely up front on the line.
- 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed on local radio that his team is on the hunt for edge help after losing Nick Bosa for the rest of the season to a torn ACL. Pass rushing help might not be immediate, though, as teams with poor records often wait until closer to the deadline to deal a starter.
- Among the edge players who have garnered interest are the Titans' Arden Key, the Dolphins' Bradley Chubb and the Packers' Kingsley Enagbare.
- The Giants have called teams for receiver help after losing Malik Nabers to a season-ending knee injury, but as always at this time of year, teams are hesitant to part with good, contributing players.
- Teams have called the Jets and Titans about potential trades, which is not a surprise given their combined 1-9 record. Tennessee remains open for business, and after the Jets return from London where they play the Broncos on Sunday, they'll regroup and asses where they are. Trades are possible, but don't be surprised if teams without great records acquire talent for future years, as the Jets recently did when they traded for Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Good value is good value.
- Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has never met a trade he wouldn't consider, and don't be surprised if he looks for some help on defense. A cornerback or edge would make sense.
