Kimani Vidal's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Los Angeles Chargers continue to have a heavily-contested competition for the No. 3 running back role, according to Eric Smith of the team's official website. Smith notes that it's possible the team carries four running backs, but that's far from a given. In the event that they stick with three, the team will deploy Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as its top two running backs with Isaiah Spiller, Kimani Vidal, and Jaret Patterson all competing for the final spot on the depth chart. Perhaps the most prominent name is Vidal, who impressed in Week 2 of the preseason and cost the Chargers a sixth-round pick just a few months ago. However, Spiller has familiarity with the system and Patterson has gone under the radar to make a real push for a roster spot, too. Saturday's clash with the Dallas Cowboys will give these three backs one more opportunity to separate themselves from the competition before rosters trim down on Tuesday.

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.

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.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is the current projected RB3 in Greg Roman's offense, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. The sixth-round rookie out of Troy appears to be a popular sleeper candidate in 2024 after posting over 1,600 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. He is slated to be behind veterans and former Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to open the season. However, Dobbins is coming off his second major injury of his short career, and we have not seen a running back return to form after an Achilles tear. Vidal is worth stashing in deep formats in case Dobbins struggles, but any Day 3 rookie is far from guaranteed a roster spot or a significant role in Year 1, so don't reach on him in fantasy drafts.