Regular ruckman Matthew Kreuzer injured his knee in the first quarter of the Blues match against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium in round 13, and has undergone a knee reconstruction.
Hampson and Robert Warnock were the candidates to replace the 21-year-old, and coach Brett Ratten said it was a close-run thing.
"We're going to go Shaun Hampson. We think his ability over the last few weeks and his athleticism will be really handy for the team," Ratten said at Visy Park on Wednesday afternoon.
"He's been playing well as a ruckman as has Robbie, but he might give us a little bit up the front half if we need it; just something to throw in their corner if we need it.
"We just thought he got the nod. Just."
Warnock was traded from Fremantle after the 2008 season for picks 24, 56, and 68, but battled a stress fracture in his foot and didn't play an AFL game in 2009.
Ratten, who has been using a significantly smaller forward line this year after the departure of Brendan Fevola, suggested that it would be a different looking and operating forward structure on Thursday night.
Jarrad Waite is again missing through suspension, and Ratten said Setanta O'hAilpin would take his place.
Carlton is sixth on the ladder with a 7-6 record, but has lost its last two games to drop from fifth.
The Blues have won eight first quarters this year - equal third in the League - but have kicked just one goal in their previous two first terms.
Ratten, who conceded the problem was a mental one, said winning the 50-50 battles was the key to getting better starts.
"Fifty-fifty footy - there's no doubt about it. How you respond after a Kangaroos performance - they were harder than us.
"The first quarter (against Fremantle) was nine hardball gets to 24, and I think that is the print on the game - we asked for our team to get on the front foot against Fremantle, and when you get that result 9-24 in the first quarter, I think that really sets a tone."
"It won't happen again.
"I think fortune favours the brave - no risk, no return, isn't it?
"The great teams have shown that through history - they take the game on and they're on the front foot."
And he wasn't buying into the speculation that Fevola is injured and won't play against his old side.
"It's all rumour about Brendan at the moment, so we'll just wait and see."
