Chargers Receiver Injuries Could Mean Big Day For Oronde Gadsden

The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with another frustrating week of injuries, and their latest injury report could open the door for Oronde Gadsden to have his biggest game of the season. With multiple wide receivers ruled out and Ladd McConkey dealing with a foot injury, Justin Herbert could be forced to rely on his tight ends more heavily when the Chargers take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

The Chargers have already ruled out Quentin Johnston (chest) and rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) for the Week 5 matchup. McConkey is listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a foot injury. That leaves the Chargers with some serious questions about their receiving depth heading into a critical divisional game.

If McConkey is unable to play or is limited, Gadsden could become an even bigger part of the offensive game plan.

Gadsden is coming off his best performance of the season against the Seattle Seahawks, catching five of eight targets for 36 yards. While those numbers aren’t particularly impressive, the increased involvement was encouraging. He also recorded a two-yard carry as the Chargers tried to find ways to get him involved.

Through four games, Gadsden has nine receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. He has shown flashes of what he can bring to the offense, but the Chargers need to find ways to get him the ball more consistently.

The injuries at wide receiver could give him that opportunity.

Gadsden already has an advantage as a big target who can work over the middle of the field and create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. At 6-foot-5, he gives Herbert a different type of receiving option than the team’s smaller, quicker wideouts. With the Chargers struggling to find consistency offensively, getting Gadsden involved could be one way to spark the passing game.

Of course, the Chargers still have other options. Tre’ Harris and Derius Davis will be expected to help carry the load at wide receiver with Johnston and Thompson unavailable. However, the uncertainty surrounding McConkey makes it even more important for the Chargers to have reliable alternatives.

Gadsden could also benefit from the team’s situation at tight end. David Njoku remains on injured reserve with a fibula injury, while Charlie Kolar is questionable with a forearm injury. If Kolar cannot play, Gadsden could see an even larger share of the available tight end snaps and targets.

The Chargers desperately need more production from their passing game. They enter this matchup against Denver searching for answers after opening the season with four consecutive losses. Injuries aren’t helping, but the offense still needs to find ways to move the ball and put points on the board.

Sunday could be an opportunity for Gadsden to take another step forward. He has already demonstrated that Herbert is willing to look his way, and the current injury situation could lead to more opportunities than he would normally receive.

The Chargers need someone to step up, and Gadsden is in a position to do exactly that. If he can take advantage of the additional targets and make plays when his number is called, he could be one of the more important players in the Chargers’ offense against the Broncos.