Hampton fractured his left ankle in Week 5 and was sidelined for seven games.

Then, after Kimani Vidal assumed the starter’s position in Hampton’s absence, Hampton rolled his right ankle during the Chargers’ loss to the Houston Texans in Week 17. He returned to the game and scored a touchdown on a 5-yard run, but then sat out their loss to the Broncos in Week 18.

Asked Friday if he expected to play Sunday against the Patriots, Hampton said, “Yeah, yeah, that’s the plan. I’m super excited.”

If he can’t play, or he’s limited in the number of carries he gets against the Patriots, then Vidal is expected to step in, as he did while making the first seven starts of his NFL career. Vidal topped 100 yards three times, including a career-high 126 yards on 25 carries in a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13.

Vidal had a team-leading 643 yards plus three touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry in 13 games in his second season in the NFL. Hampton, a rookie who was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick, rushed for 545 yards plus four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt in nine games.

“It was great to have those games where I was the No. 1 guy,” Vidal said earlier this week of replacing Hampton while Hampton was sidelined earlier in the season. “If he’s ready to go, we’ll be ready. He’s just trying to get back right. Whether he’s up or down, I have confidence in the plan we have. “

INJURY REPORT

In addition to Lambert-Smith, the Chargers also ruled out safety Kendall Williamson for Sunday’s game because of an ankle injury.

In addition to Hampton, they also listed tackle Austin Deculus (oblique), outside linebacker Bud Dupree (hamstring), tight end Tucker Fisk (ankle), defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) and linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (hamstring) as questionable.

WEATHER REPORT

The game-time temperature is expected to be in the low 30s with 0% chance of precipitation Sunday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It might seem like a heat wave when compared to the 15-degree temperature the Chargers faced for the opening kickoff in Week 15 in Kansas City.