The Los Angeles Chargers just can’t seem to catch a break on the injury front. During Sunday night’s clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II unexpectedly left the game midway through the third quarter. The NBC broadcast soon confirmed that Gadsden was out of the game. 

Fans were immediately confused. There wasn’t a clear play that showed Oronde Gadsden II getting hurt. But reports later suggested that the injury might have happened on a blocking play when he made an awkward step. After spending a few minutes in the blue medical tent, cameras caught him walking to the locker room. And shortly after, it was reported that he was out for the night. 

“Oronde Gadsden has a knee injury, and the team says he’s questionable to return tonight,” wrote ESPN’s Adam Schefter via X. 

Moments later, the broadcast revealed that the rookie tight end was in the X-ray room. With Oronde Gadsden II sidelined, Tyler Conklin took over the tight end duties for Los Angeles. However, the OL clearly missed Gadsden’s spark. He had just three catches for 13 yards before exiting, but his absence left a noticeable gap. 

It’s been an impressive rise for Oronde Gadsden II. He started the season as the third tight end on the depth chart behind Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, yet it didn’t take long for him to climb up the ranks. His recent performances – with at least 68 receiving yards in each of the last four games – turned him into one of Herbert’s favorite targets. That’s quite the leap for a Day 3 draft pick.

Now the big question is: how long will the Chargers have to do without him? Tyler Conklin stepped in during the game, but let’s be honest – he isn’t the same type of dynamic player. Conklin brings experience, but Gadsden’s athleticism and yards-after-catch ability give Los Angeles something special. Head coach Jim Harbaugh may need to tweak his offensive plan if Gadsden misses extended time.

Oronde Gadsden II’s injury gives another blow to Justin Herbert’s OL

From a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, Oronde Gadsden II has quickly become one of the most exciting rookie tight ends in the league. Now his injury comes at a time when Justin Herbert’s OL has already taken a big blow. Just days ago, Joe Alt was ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. Alt had been emerging as a leader on Herbert’s OL before going down. The Chargers quickly traded for Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints to fill the gap, but chemistry takes time to build.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for Los Angeles. The team has plenty of firepower. Keenan Allen remains Justin Herbert’s go-to receiver. Meanwhile, Ladd McConkey has flashed big-play potential with his 107-yard game against the Steelers. Besides, running back Omarion Hampton is close to returning from injury. But with Oronde Gadsden II now added to the injury list, the Chargers will need every one of those weapons to step up.

However, even with the injuries, the Chargers managed to pull off a 25-10 win over the Steelers on Sunday. Their defense and special teams carried the load, so the offense will need to find consistency fast. Gadsden’s injury could slow their momentum just as they seemed to be finding rhythm. Hopefully, his knee injury isn’t too serious – because the Chargers’ offense looks a lot better when he’s on the field.