RADIO
Oronde Gadsden Off the Streaming Radar in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden is coming off his biggest performance of the season. The 23-year-old caught all five of his targets for 52 yards and finished Week 8 as the TE14. Gadsden has disappointed this season, but his recent performance could jump-start his season. However, Gadsden enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR TE32 in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. Gadsden will need to stack good fantasy performances to earn managers' trust. He should be viewed as a TE3 and is not a reliable streaming option in Week 9.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
David Njoku's Practice Window Opens Ahead of Week 9
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku (leg) has had his practice window opened as he works toward returning from injured reserve, according to Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced the development Wednesday, bringing Njoku closer to his first appearance since suffering a lower-leg injury against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. The 30-year-old caught six passes for 67 yards across two games before being placed on injured reserve September 23. He recorded five receptions for 58 yards in his only full outing. Oronde Gadsden II has handled an expanded role during Njoku's absence, recording 17 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown this season, including five catches for 52 yards against the Rams last week. Njoku's eventual return could affect the distribution of tight end targets, with Charlie Kolar also part of the rotation. His availability for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans remains uncertain, making him a speculative stash in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Chargers likely to open return window for David Njoku this week
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that the team will likely open the return window for tight end David Njoku (leg) this week, according to Alex Insdorf. Njoku injured his fibula in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders and has been on Injured Reserve since, but the 30-year-old veteran could have a chance to return this weekend to face the Houston Texans if he returns to practice this week. It does not make him an attractive waiver-wire pickup going into Week 9, though, as Njoku will be battling for playing time and targets with tight ends Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar when he returns, and he is not guaranteed to be back this Sunday against the Texans. Before injuring his leg and landing on IR, Njoku caught six of eight targets for 67 yards and no touchdowns. He has the most experience (nine-plus years) in the NFL among L.A.'s tight end options, but given how poorly the Chargers' offense has played this year, Njoku is not a recommended TE target as he nears his return from injury.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Oronde Gadsden Not a TE Streaming Option in Week 8 vs. Rams
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has had a disappointing sophomore season following his impressive rookie year. Gadsden is the PPR TE42 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 4.8 points per game. He's been fantasy-relevant, despite playing with an injury-riddled receiving group in Los Angeles. Gadsden enters Week 8 as RotoBaller's PPR TE32 in a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams defense has allowed the second-lowest yards per pass attempt (six), third-lowest completion percentage (58%), and the fifth-fewest passing yards this season (1,351). With the Chargers' receiver room back to full strength, Gadsden will likely get lost in a crowded offense. As a result, Gadsden should be out of fantasy lineups and is not a viable tight end streaming option in Week 8.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Mike McDaniel to Remain Chargers' Offensive Play-Caller
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will keep his play-calling duties, even though the offense has averaged just 15.0 points per game and ranks last in the NFL in EPA per play through six contests. His status had been uncertain after the Chargers fell to 0-6 with a 22-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, prompting head coach Jim Harbaugh to evaluate every aspect of a struggling offense. Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday, according to Ari Meirov, that McDaniel will retain those duties following the Week 7 bye and keep directing quarterback Justin Herbert when the Chargers face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, still seeking their first victory. Harbaugh has discussed potentially simplifying the playbook to improve execution, although no specific adjustments have been announced.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Oronde Gadsden A Touchdown-Dependent TE3 in Week 6 vs. Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has been a disappointing fantasy tight end in his sophomore season after a productive rookie year. Gadsden is the TE34 in overall scoring, averaging 3.9 points per game. The 23-year-old failed to take advantage of an injury-depleted pass-catching group last week and didn't catch his lone target. However, the Chargers are expected to have both Ladd McConkey (foot) and Quentin Johnston (chest) available this week. As a result, Gadsden enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR TE29 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Gadsden should be viewed as a TE3 and nowhere near fantasy lineups in Week 6.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Charlie Kolar Isn't a Priority Add Despite Leading Chargers in Receiving
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar returned from a fractured forearm to lead the team with 37 receiving yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, although his performance wasn't without problems. Kolar caught three of four targets, but lost a fumble following a 19-yard reception on Los Angeles' opening possession that helped set up Denver's first touchdown. The veteran has now caught six passes for 58 yards without a touchdown across three appearances this season. His increased involvement came with Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, leaving the Chargers short on receiving options. David Njoku remains on injured reserve, although Oronde Gadsden II continues to compete for playing time, and Hayden Rucci caught the team's lone passing touchdown against Denver. Kolar has an opportunity to build on Sunday's production against Kansas City in Week 6, but his limited receiving history makes him difficult to trust. Rostered in just 1% of leagues, he's an emergency streaming consideration in 14-team formats, particularly with the Chargers heading into their Week 7 bye.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Kolar Active Against Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) is active for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos, according to the team's gameday report. Kolar suffered a fractured forearm against Las Vegas in Week 2 and underwent surgery on September 21, but managed to avoid injured reserve. He missed the following two games before returning to limited practice this week. Kolar caught three passes for 21 yards against the Raiders before exiting with the injury. With David Njoku (fibula) still on injured reserve, Kolar rejoins a tight end group that has relied on Oronde Gadsden in his absence.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Charlie Kolar Could Return in Week 5 Against Denver
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to the team's official website. Kolar has not played since fracturing his forearm in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but he has made progress and could be back for the Bolts this weekend as they continue to search for their first win of 2026. Fellow tight end David Njoku (leg) remains on Injured Reserve, so Kolar could have an opportunity for a bigger role when he returns alongside Oronde Gadsden. There was buzz surrounding the 27-year-old Kolar in training camp and the preseason for a possibly bigger role in coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense, but that did not manifest itself in the first two games of the season. Kolar caught all three of his targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns, and fantasy managers can leave him on the waiver wire for now until further notice. He has never had more than 142 receiving yards or two touchdowns in his previous four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Oronde Gadsden a Borderline TE2 in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden could see more targets in his Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers officially ruled out wideout Quentin Johnston (chest), while wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) are questionable for the contest. If McConkey and Kolar can't suit up, Gadsden would likely become Justin Herbert's No. 2 target in the passing game. Gadsden enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR TE26 in an intriguing matchup. The Broncos defense will be without its top 2 cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, and has allowed the 13th-most passing yards and the 14th-most passing touchdowns. However, Gadsden should still be viewed as a borderline TE2 in Week 5. Gadsden has had chances to assert himself in the Chargers' passing game while teammates battled injuries, but he hasn't been able to capitalize on the opportunity. He should remain out of lineups heading into Week 5.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Oronde Gadsden Not a Tight End Streaming Option vs. Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden wasn't able to take control of the Chargers tight end room after hauling in zero catches in Week 3. The 23-year-old was the team's TE1 with Charlie Kolar (forearm) and David Njoku (leg) out due to injuries. However, Gadsden will have another opportunity to establish himself as the lead tight end with Kolar and Njoku ruled out for Sunday. Gadsden enters Week 4 as RotoBaller's PPR TE28 in a difficult matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks defense has allowed the fewest receiving yards, receiving yards per reception, receiving plays over 20-plus yards, and receiving yards over 40 yards. Gadsden will face an uphill battle this week to be a fantasy-relevant tight end in all league formats. He should remain out of fantasy lineups in Week 4.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Oronde Gadsden Still a Worthwhile Streamer Despite Recent Dud
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden is coming off an ugly performance in which he caught zero passes on three targets, but he's still one of the more appealing tight ends on the waiver wire ahead of Week 4. Gadsden took on a larger role this past week (57% snap share) after David Njoku (fibula) was placed on injured reserve. Barring anything unexpected, Njoku's injury will leave Gadsden in the No. 1 tight end role through Week 6, at the earliest. Los Angeles' offense hasn't looked amazing lately, but the 23-year-old is still one of the top targets in the Chargers' offense, so he should have some low-end fantasy appeal. Plus, we saw what he could do as Justin Herbert's primary tight end last year, when he caught 49 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns. Gadsden is a solid waiver wire target in 12+ team leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chargers Not Planning to Replace OC Mike McDaniel
When asked if he would intervene in the offense if they continue to struggle, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, "No. We trust Mike. We believe in Mike," according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The Chargers have lost their first three games of the 2026 season, and Mike McDaniel's offense has not lived up to expectations in the early going. After McDaniel, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, gave quarterback Justin Herbert glowing reviews in training camp this summer, the 28-year-old signal-caller has not looked comfortable running McDaniel's scheme through the first three weeks. Herbert has completed only 59.1% of his pass attempts for 627 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. Harbaugh is giving McDaniel plenty of rope, but things will not get easier for L.A.'s offense, as their next four games are against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams. After three games, the Chargers have scored 14.7 points per game (fourth-fewest) and are averaging just over 300 total yards per game.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Oronde Gadsden Expects to See More Work in Week 3 vs. Bills
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden enters Week 3 as the team's TE1. The Chargers will be without Charlie Kolar (forearm) and David Njoku (leg) in Buffalo on Sunday. Gadsden had a promising rookie season, catching 49 of his 69 targets for 664 yards and three touchdowns. The 23-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR TE16 in an interesting matchup against the Bills defense. They have allowed the 5th-most passing yards and rank near the bottom of the league in EPA. The Bills defense is still adjusting to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard while defending pass-heavy offenses and trying to keep up with the Bills' high-powered offense. Gadsden is a viable tight end option for managers in a barren tight end landscape heading into Week 3.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Oronde Gadsden "Ready to Step Up"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that tight end Oronde Gadsden "had a very good week" and is "ready to step up" in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday with both Charlie Kolar (forearm) and David Njoku (leg) out, according to Alex Insdorf. Harbaugh added that he thinks Gadsden has improved as a blocker. The 23-year-old should have been one of the more intriguing tight end pickups off the waiver wire after both Kolar and Njoku were injured in the team's Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku is on Injured Reserve, and Kolar could miss several weeks with his injury. Gadsden only had two catches for 18 yards on Sunday against the Raiders, but he did manage to find the end zone for his first touchdown of the 2026 season. The Bills have been vulnerable against tight ends early this season, so this could be the perfect storm for Gadsden to be an excellent streamer at the TE position. As a rookie last year, Gadsden caught 49 of his 69 targets for 664 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
