Chargers Get Positive News at Tight End and Make Another Roster Move

The Los Angeles Chargers head into a critical matchup on the road against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 with the hope of getting into the win column, however, if they struggle again, it is very possible they will drop to 0-3 and be in great danger of missing out on the postseason.

When it comes to the Chargers trying to respond moving forward, health will be a major factor, and on that note, Los Angeles got some good news at the tight end position.

Earlier in the week, tight end Charlie Kolar was placed on the IR, but on Wednesday, Chargers ESPN reporter Kris Rhim reported that Kolar will not be placed on the IR as his surgery earlier in the week changed his prognosis.

While Kolar will not be placed on the IR, Rhim also noted that Kolar will not play this week. Even with Kolar not being placed on the IR, it is clear that Kolar does need some time to recover, but regardless, this is a good development for the Chargers, as it seems the tight end depth may be replenished much more quickly than originally thought.

For the Chargers, being able to get Kolar back in the lineup in the next few weeks could be huge, because even without fellow tight end David Njoku, Los Angeles still has Oronde Gadsden, who has the ability to be a top target at tight end, so the Chargers would still have a reliable duo to get the job done in the run game and in the passing game.

Additionally, Rhim reported that the Chargers made another roster move as they signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the active roster from the practice squad, per head coach Jim Harbaugh.

This move for the Chargers to sign Valdes-Scantling is not necessarily shocking, as the performance of the wide receiver has not been great aside from Ladd McConkey, with players like Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris struggling to get going consistently on the perimeter for quarterback Justin Herbert. However, McConkey is dealing with an injury that limited him in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Last season, Valdes-Scantling did not have a ton of action as he had 14 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown while playing five games for the San Francisco 49ers and five games for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Throughout Valdes-Scantling's career, he has been a solid option on the perimeter and thrives in after-the-catch situations, as well as being able to make catches deep down the field to generate explosive plays. With that said, it will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel decides to use Valdes-Scantling.

So, as the Chargers head into Sunday, it will be worth watching if Valdes-Scantling can add a unique element to their passing game, and if he can, it may help Herbert to get more rhythm and potentially allow the Chargers to pick up a crucial road win.