Drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Chargers from the Troy Trojans, running back Kimani Vidal did not get a lot of time to shine in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he played 169 offensive snaps, ending with 62 receiving yards, five receptions, a receiving touchdown, and 155 rushing yards.
He had the second most designed rushing attempts of more than 15 yards (two) amongst the Chargers, with the third most yards after contact per attempt (2.79). He was also minimally involved in run and pass blocking, and special teams.
With the departure of running back Gus Edwards, and with J.K Dobbins most likely headed elsewhere, what does this mean for the rookie? Can this be his year to make a lasting impression?
Kimani Vidal’s 2024 Season With The Los Angeles Chargers
In the little time that Vidal played last year, he was noticed. During the second preseason game against the Rams, he had the most rushing yards (49) on the team.
In that matchup, he had back-to-back runs during the first quarter, including a 13-yarder for a first down. He also managed to hold onto the ball after a reception during the third quarter, to turn a first-and-20 into a second-and-15, despite a hit from Rams linebacker Elias Neal.
And he also brought a spark to the regular season, as most of my notes say things like “nice run” and “first down” next to anything to do with Vidal.
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Vidal had his first touchdown on a reception during Week 6 against the Broncos, where in the first quarter, after making the catch, he ran it up the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown. He had the only receiving touchdown of that game. And in the second, he had back-to-back 6 and 4-yard rushes.
His longest run of the season was Week 16, also against the Broncos, where fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock made the space by blocking Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad, while Vidal cut out to the left side for a 19-yard rush, all the way to the 35-yard line.
Vidal went full throttle during every snap and has the speed and skill to do some great things for the team.
Kimani Vidal This Season
Running back Najee Harris from the Steelers is the most obvious choice to take on the mantle of RB1. The Chargers may add someone in the draft, and running backs Jaret Patterson and Hassan Haskins remain on the team.
Haskins also had a bit of a breakout with the Chargers, as he had his first career rushing touchdowns last season.
But as this running back unit starts from scratch again this offseason, there’s room on the roster for Vidal to make some noise.
General manager Joe Hortiz said after drafting him last year that Vidal can make guys miss, run through arm tackles, take a hit and stay on his feet, and that he’s got great vision, burst, and strength. I expect Vidal to show off more of those traits this year and find his way to more meaningful action this season.