The 2026 season is not going to plan for the Los Angeles Chargers, and to make matters worse, two of their tight ends will be out for multiple weeks.
The LA Chargers opened the season with what looked like an easy schedule on paper, but find themselves in a hole heading into Week 3 after losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.
The offense has not lived up to the expectations, and Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel will need to find answers without two of their top tight ends, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar.
Njoku was carted off the field against the Raiders with a fibula injury, and Kolar later left the game with a left forearm injury. Both players were put on the injured reserve list, meaning they will miss at least four games.
The beneficiary of these injuries will surely be second year tight end Oronde Gadsden, who had a breakout rookie season but has not gotten many opportunities in year 2. Through two weeks, Gadsden has caught four of four targets for 50 yards and a touchdown from QB Justin Herbert.
Njoku was Herbert's top tight end target through two weeks, catching six of eight targets for 67 yards. Njoku has been a reliable target throughout his career, catching 4+ touchdowns in seven of his nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Chargers.
Kolar was not used too much in the passing game, but has been a reliable blocker for a team who wants to establish the run with running back Omarion Hampton.
Gadsden has not yet played over 50% of the snaps in a game this season, but his usage should skyrocket with Njoku and Kolar.
How long will Njoku and Kolar be out?
Njoku and Kolar were both put on the injured reserve, meaning they will miss at leas four weeks.
The earliest both players could return to action is in Week 8 against cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, November 1st.
Discover more from bet365
Read the latest NFL news on site.
Read the latest LA Chargers news on site.
