Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Oronde Gadsden

Saturday, September 28, 9:17 PM

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Stephen Carlson (collarbone) on injured reserve Saturday ahead of their Week 4 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Carlson, who was just signed from the team's practice squad this past Tuesday, suffered a serious collarbone injury during Thursday's practice and will now miss at least the next four contests. The earliest he is eligible to return will be Nov. 3 -- Chicago's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a crushing blow for the 27-year-old who was slated for his first NFL action since his time back in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns. The Bears will roll out their usual three-man tight-end rotation, with Cole Kmet set to take the majority of the snaps and Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis working in behind him.

Monday, October 27, 10:21 AM

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.