The Los Angeles Chargers dominated the Minnesota Vikings 37-10 on Thursday Night Football, but the biggest story belonged to rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
The fifth-round pick from Syracuse wasn’t expected to contribute immediately after spending the season’s early weeks inactive.
However, injuries to veteran tight ends opened the door, and Gadsden seized the opportunity with a string of performances that have turned heads across the league.
“He’s totaled 309 yards over his last three games — becoming just the second TE since the 1970s to have 305+ yards in a 3-game span.” Jordan Schultz shared on X, “Gadsden can really run, catches everything, and plays with poise far beyond his years.”
The #Chargers have found a star in rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II.
He’s totaled 309 yards over his last three games — becoming just the second TE since the 1970s to have 305+ yards in a 3-game span.
Gadsden can really run, catches everything, and plays with poise far beyond his… pic.twitter.com/yaBEEiyKjw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 24, 2025
His breakout began in Week 7 with seven receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, the fourth-highest single-game yardage by a rookie tight end in NFL history and the most by a Chargers tight end since Antonio Gates in 2009.
The rookie carried that momentum into Thursday’s game against Minnesota, hauling in 77 yards and another red-zone touchdown.
He recorded back-to-back scoring games for the first time in his young career while giving the Chargers a versatile weapon, whether lined up in the slot or on the line.
His ability to produce in both short-yardage situations and explosive plays has added a new dimension to the offense.
Gadsden became the first Chargers player to earn Rookie of the Week honors since cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in 2021.
His consistent production suggests Los Angeles may have found a long-term answer at tight end.
If he maintains this level of play, Gadsden could develop into Justin Herbert’s next reliable target and the kind of homegrown talent franchises build around.
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