August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II (86) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Chargers' unfortunate injury opens the door for another breakout performance by young playmaker

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 6:20 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers could have an important offensive playmaker on his way to a breakout campaign this season. He probably wouldn't have gotten quite the chance to make an impact, if it weren't for a veteran player's injury, though.

With every ailment in the NFL, players must step up and make plays. Tight end Oronde Gadsden is doing exactly that for the Bolts.

Oronde Gadsden has huge opportunity in Week 4

Starting tight end Will Dissly has been ruled out for Week 4 due to injury. With that, the rookie TE and Tyler Conklin should get a lot more play. Conklin hasn't been productive in the passing game so far this year, and Gadsden has proven valuable in that department. Last week,

Chargers ruled out OL Mekhi Becton and TE Will Dissly for Sunday’s game at the Giants. pic.twitter.com/SLPBwCwmpG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2025

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is confident in Gadsden, too. He made that crystal clear this week after the young player's strong performance against Denver last weekend.

"I just have a feeling, I've seen this movie a few times-there's more good to come." -- Jim Harbaugh

Gadsden caught five of his seven targets for 46 yards in Week 3. He finished only behind wideouts Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen in targets, and there is a clear connection between the rookie TE and quarterback Justin Herbert. The QB trusts him, and Gadsden's size can be useful in the red zone as well.

Piling up successful weeks alongside Justin Herbert

Earning a QB's trust isn't easy, but offseason determination and glimpses of impressive play during training camp opened the door for Gadsden. In a TE room that lacks upside, he is the potential diamond in the rough who can take a step forward as his first year progresses in the pros.

Not to mention, this sort of body type is vital to this sort of offense. Using Gadsden up the seam on play action and having another bigger-body option in the end zone can make life easier on Herbert. Ladd McConkey is a fantastic option at wide receiver but possesses a smaller frame.

"Even though he only played 26 percent of the snaps on Sunday, he ran 15 routes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and produced 3.1 yards per route run, good for third highest among qualified tight ends in Week 3.

He also finished the week with the third-highest Pro Football Focus receiving grade (87.9) among tight ends with at least five targets." -- Los Angeles Chargers

Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen have a bit more size, but even then, they aren't the sort of pass catchers who thrive through contract. Johnston has made a lot of defenders miss in space this season, and that's separating himself. For Gadsden, he's willing to push through and force multiple players to bring him down with the ball in his hands.

Going forward, I would expect Gadsden to see more and more playing time for LA. He deserves the opportunity.

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

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