Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches practice before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh confirms suspicion about decision that allowed another breakout game from rookie TE Oronde Gadsden

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 3:59 PM ET

Making tough decisions comes with the territory in the NFL. A recent move by the Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff opened the door for rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden to step up, and he's done exactly that.

Harbaugh reveals healthy scratch decision for veteran TE Will Dissly

Veteran tight end Will Dissly, who began the season as a potential starter for the Chargers, was a healthy scratch last week. According to Jim Harbaugh, the team felt like their other TE options were a better game plan fit and were healthiest. Clearly, though, there's a lot of faith in the other pass catchers in that room.

Jim Harbaugh on if Will Dissly was a healthy scratch for TNF last week: "Yes."

Why?

"We felt the other four (TEs) fit that game plan better, and they were the healthiest, too."

So health was a factor?

"Yes."

Harbaugh said Dissly had an MCL injury earlier this year.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 30, 2025

With this decision by the coaching staff, fans got an even greater look at rookie TE Oronde Gadsden. He was arguably the top target in the passing game for Justin Herbert in Week 8, and it doesn't seem like he will be slowing down anytime soon.

The rookie playmaker has incredible athleticism for his size and already earned the trust of his teammates and coaches. Los Angeles cannot look back now. Gadsden must remain a pivotal part of the offense for the Bolts.

Oronde Gadsden's increased role and production

A "breakout" performance can be characterized by plenty of aspects for a player. For Gadsden, his production, reliability, and upside all shown bright and often. Since Week 7, the rookie has played in at least 75% of offensive snaps for LA. He's also received five or more targets in all of those matchups. The youth movement is happening now, and Dissly's role for the offense seems to be gone.

"In Week 7, Gadsden delivered a breakout performance – hauling in seven catches for 164 yards. His size, speed and knack for finding open space made him a go-to target in a big moment. His output served notice that the Chargers may have more than just an athletic project on their hands.

Coaches around the organization are already drawing favorable comparisons between him and former standout tight ends, pointing to the raw upside he brings at the position. Gadsden’s ability to line up in multiple spots, stretch the field and make contested catches is forcing opponents to adjust." -- Brentley Weissman, A to Z Sports

Only time will tell if Dissly can regain any sort of notable playing time, but there's not a good reason to play Gadsden less. He's a player who can take the passing game for LA to the next level alongside multiple talented wide receivers. Justin Herbert may not be getting the best protection right now, but this group of receivers and tight ends is easily the best he has ever played with in his NFL career.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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