Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden faces a tough Week 14 challenge after the passing offense stalled following Justin Herbert's hand injury, leading to just one catch for 27 yards on two targets last week. Crucially, Gadsden failed to see a red-zone target for the second consecutive game after seeing 10 in the previous five. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is extremely challenging, as their defense ranks among the top three against tight ends, allowing only three touchdowns all season and just nine PPR points per game to the position. RotoBaller ranks Gadsden as TE14 this week, especially with Justin Herbert (hand) listed as questionable. While the rookie has shown promise, the combination of the restructured, short-area passing offense and one of the league's toughest tight end defenses means Gadsden should be considered a high-end TE2 this week.
Dec 6, 2025 4:33 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden was being viewed as a league-winner when he was in the midst of a mid-season surge. He came out of nowhere and had four straight performances with 60 receiving yards or more. Since Week 10, though, Gadsden has been basically invisible on the field. During that span, he has six receptions for 81 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown. Another factor to consider is that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) recently underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand. Herbert is hopeful to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, but it's unclear how much he will be impacted by the injury. The Chargers have a lot of mouths to feed and could lean on the running game more with rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on track to make his first appearance since Week 5. Gadsden probably won't offer more than TE2 value in Week 14.
Dec 5, 2025 9:37 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden recorded just one catch for 27 yards on two targets in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This was Gadsden's lowest involvement since Week 5, as the Chargers focused almost entirely on the run after Justin Herbert's hand injury early in the game. Gadsden has now gone two straight weeks without a red-zone target as his early-season surge cools off. Week 14 features a tough matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles' defense that ranks top-three against tight ends, allowing only three touchdowns all season and just nine PPR points per game to the position. If Herbert is ruled out, Gadsden's outlook drops even further. He remains a talented rookie with long-term appeal, but Week 14 looks likely to be another quiet game.
Dec 1, 2025 6:29 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden faces a tough challenge in Week 13 after recording just two receptions for 41 yards on five targets against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. Gadsden's production has declined recently, and he didn't have a red-zone target for the first time in five games, likely because quarterback Justin Herbert has had limited time to throw downfield. The matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is particularly tough, as they are a top-five defense against tight ends, allowing only three touchdowns to the position all season. Despite the challenging defense and his decreasing downfield numbers, RotoBaller ranks Gadsden as TE6 this week. His quality targets keep him a strong option, but this matchup pushes him to a low-end TE1 with a potentially limited ceiling.
Nov 28, 2025 6:09 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden ranks as the TE12 in half-PPR fantasy points per game through the first nine games of his NFL career. Gadsden has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and has 37 catches on 49 targets for 507 yards and two touchdowns going into the team's Week 12 bye. However, the 22-year-old hasn't scored since Oct. 19. Gadsden has cooled off a bit since back-to-back weeks of finding the end zone in Weeks 7 and 8, but he's had at least five targets in a game since all the way back in Week 5. The primary concern for Gadsden's fantasy managers going forward is the Chargers' banged-up offensive line, which might give quarterback Justin Herbert very little time to throw the football in the final stretch of the season against some tough opponents. The fifth-rounder could return with a bang in Week 13 against the Raiders, so fantasy managers shouldn't give up hope just yet.
Nov 21, 2025 3:51 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden is healthy heading into Week 11 despite suffering a knee contusion last week. Even though he left the game in the third quarter, Gadsden remains one of Justin Herbert's most trusted red-zone options, with 10 targets inside the 20-yard line over the past five games. The matchup this week is excellent, as the Jacksonville Jaguars rank 5th in receptions allowed and are tied for second in touchdowns allowed to tight ends. His combination of size (6'5") and red-zone usage makes Gadsden a reliable play. He is a confident mid-range TE1 with legitimate upside, projected as the TE4 this week.
Nov 14, 2025 6:14 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsen (knee) is not on the team's final injury report on Friday and has been cleared to play in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, according to the team. Gadsden bruised his knee in Sunday night's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and never returned, but he ended up avoiding a serious issue and will be available this weekend when the team heads to the East Coast to face the Jags. The 22-year-old should continue to have a key role in L.A.'s passing attack, and he could see even more targets head his way if receiver Quentin Johnston (shin) is limited or out on Sunday. Gadsden has burst onto the scene quickly in his first year in the NFL and is currently the TE12 in half-PPR scoring with 35 catches, 466 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in his first eight NFL games.
Nov 14, 2025 1:23 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden (knee) was able to get through a full practice session on Wednesday. Gadsden was forced to make an early exit during Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hauled in three of his six targets for 13 yards before exiting due to a knee injury. It appears Gadsden has avoided any significant injuries and is on pace to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. The injury ruined his fantasy value last weekend, but Gadsden has been a viable option outside of that game.
Nov 12, 2025 8:23 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden (quadriceps) will take part in practice on Wednesday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Gadsden suffered a bruised quad during Sunday night's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he's been labeled day-to-day this week. Even if the 22-year-old is limited on Wednesday, he's currently on track to be available to play this Sunday in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. If Gadsden ends up being limited this weekend or out altogether, Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin would share TE duties for the Bolts and wouldn't be intriguing streaming options. In his first year in the NFL, Gadsden has quickly become a low-end TE1 option in fantasy football, catching 35 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns on 44 targets. We'll continue to monitor his status closely this week, but as of now, it looks like he'll be active on Sunday.
Nov 12, 2025 3:17 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden (quadriceps) is considered "day-to-day" after an MRI exam on Monday revealed a quad bruise, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Gadsden injured his quad in the third quarter of Sunday night's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and never returned with the game already well in hand. The 22-year-old's injury doesn't sound very serious, but fantasy managers will need to keep a close eye on his practice status heading into Sunday's Week 11 tilt on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Gadsden isn't cleared to play this weekend, both Will Dissly, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday night, and Tyler Conklin would see additional opportunities in the passing game. Gadsden has quickly emerged in his first NFL season and has been on the low-end TE1 radar in fantasy football, catching 35 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns in his first eight games.
Nov 10, 2025 3:29 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden (knee) is scheduled to undergo an MRI today for the knee injury that he suffered on Sunday Night Football. Gadsden exited the game in the third quarter and was seen limping to the locker room to be evaluated. At the time of his injury, the 22-year-old rookie had caught three of his six targets for only 13 yards. Although it was a slow night for him, the rookie out of Syracuse had cemented himself as a top-5 player at the tight end position in fantasy football. On the season, he has caught 35 of his 44 targets for 466 yards and two touchdowns. More impressively, he has only been the starter since Week 6, so most of that production has come in the last five weeks. In his absence, Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin picked up the slack because Will Dissly (coach's decision) was inactive.
Nov 10, 2025 9:14 AM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers announced that rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half due to a knee injury. Gadsden injured his knee in the third quarter in Week 10 and was seen limping to the locker room to be evaluated. At the time of his injury, the 22-year-old rookie had caught three of his six targets for only 13 yards. Despite the slow game, Gadsden had become a must-roster player in fantasy football after recording at least 68 receiving yards in each of his previous four games. The fifth-rounder came into Sunday night's action with 32 catches on 38 targets for 453 yards and two touchdowns as L.A.'s top pass-catching TE. Will Dissly was a healthy scratch for this game, so Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin will pick up the slack if Gadsden cannot return against Pittsburgh.
Nov 9, 2025 10:53 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden led the team in receiving yards (68) and tied for second in targets during last week's win over the Tennessee Titans. He has quickly become a trusted red-zone option for Justin Herbert, with seven red-zone targets over the past four games. Heading into Week 10, Gadsden faces a favorable matchup against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has struggled against the tight end position, allowing the sixth-most yards and tying for the second-most touchdowns to the position this year. Although the Steelers' defense contained the Indianapolis Colts' rookie tight end, Tyler Warren, last week, the overall trend favors Gadsden's usage and effectiveness. He is shaping up as a mid-range TE1 with clear upside. RotoBaller ranks him as TE4 this week and should be started in all formats.
Nov 7, 2025 6:24 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has emerged as one of Justin Herbert's go-to targets in the pass game over the past four weeks. Gadsden leads the Chargers with 377 receiving yards since he became a full-time player in Week 6 and ranks third on the team in targets per game (6.5) behind Keenan Allen (7.8) and Ladd McConkey (9.8). The 22-year-old has showcased the ability to earn targets as a rookie in a crowded Chargers pass-catching group, as well as strong after-the-catch ability. For teams with a strong tight end already in place, Gadsden is worth starting as a flex given how impressive he's been. The rookie tight end is ranked as RotoBaller's TE4 for Week 10 on Sunday night football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nov 6, 2025 1:07 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continues to impress, leading the team in receiving yards (68) and tying for second in targets (five) during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He's quickly becoming one of Herbert's most trusted weapons, especially when the pocket collapses. Up next is a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has been one of the league's weakest against tight ends, allowing the sixth-most yards and tying for the second-most touchdowns to the position. They did, however, hold Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren to only 26 receiving yards on Sunday. With Justin Herbert likely forced into short, quick throws behind a depleted offensive line, Gadsden could thrive once again. He's shaping up as a mid-range TE1 with legit upside heading into Week 10.
Nov 3, 2025 5:38 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden continued his red-zone success last week, catching all five of his targets for 77 yards and his second touchdown of the season. He has become a key part of the passing attack, but now faces a Tennessee Titans defense that has been among the toughest against tight ends this year, allowing only three touchdowns to the position. While the Titans' struggles against the run may lead to another low-volume passing game (Gadsden only ran 29 routes last week), his size, speed, and proven chemistry with Herbert near the goal line keep him relevant. RotoBaller projects Gadsden as TE5 this week. He has proven himself a must-start and should be viewed as a solid low-end TE1.
Oct 31, 2025 5:43 PM EST
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II has taken off over the last three weeks, recording 19 receptions for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets. Gadsden ranks as the TE2 in PPR points per game with 61.9, trailing only Green Bay Packers star tight end Tucker Kraft by half a point in that span. The 22-year-old is emerging as one of Justin Herbert's go-to targets along with sophomore wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Chargers should continue to lean more pass-heavy with their elite crew of pass catchers, and now that left tackle Joe Alt is back to protect Herbert's blindside. Gadsden had an excellent prospect profile at Syracuse with strong athletic traits as a former wide receiver, and he has all the makings of a stud at the tight end position for years to come. He is ranked as RotoBaller's TE5 for Week 9 against the Titans.
Oct 30, 2025 12:14 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has been one of the breakout stars at his position in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Gadsden has recorded 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets. The 22-year-old appears to be a trusted weapon in Los Angeles, as he's played at least 75% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight weeks. If there's any reason for concern with Gadsden, it's the target competition he faces. The Chargers have three wide receivers in Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston who are all candidates to soak up targets. Still, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert currently leads the NFL in pass attempts (296), so it's possible there's enough target volume to support all four players. Gadsden could continue to emerge as a must-start tight end over the second half of the season.
Oct 27, 2025 10:21 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden caught all five of his targets for 77 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings. His touchdown came on an eight-yard pass in the first quarter, and he also delivered an impressive 40-yard reception in the second quarter. Gadsden, a rookie, has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing breakout tight ends in fantasy football. Over his last three games, the Syracuse product has totaled 19 catches, 309 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He's averaging 20.3 fantasy points (PPR) since Week 6, which is the second-highest among tight ends during that span, trailing only Trey McBride. The 22-year-old should be treated as a solid TE1 option heading into a favorable Week 9 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Oct 24, 2025 12:21 AM EST
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden delivered a standout performance in the team's Week 7 loss, with seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, earning the TE1 spot for the week. Gadsden recorded the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in a game since 1985 and saw a season-high in snap share, route rate, and targets. While repeating his career day may be difficult, Gadsden has clearly secured an important role in this pass-heavy offense. The blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings might favor Gadsden on Thursday, as short-to-intermediate targets will become key check-down options against linebackers in man coverage. RotoBaller projects Gadsden as TE9. With six teams on bye, Gadsden's usage makes him a solid mid-range TE1 or streaming option this week.
Oct 22, 2025 11:56 PM EST