The Los Angeles Chargers were expected to be a run-heavy team this season.
That’s usually the case whenever coordinator Greg Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh are in charge of an offense.
Unfortunately, losing veteran Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton to injury may have changed those plans.
That’s why quarterback Justin Herbert has been asked to do even more than usual.
Notably, that has helped rookie Oronde Gadsden II take a big leap.
He’s gotten more involved in the passing game, and Herbert recently praised the young tight end.
“It’s been the same thing that we’ve seen all year. It started in camp, and we knew how good he was going to be. He’s going to make a ton of plays for us. He’s going to have a super long career. Just excited to be around for him,” Herbert said.
oronde on the rise 📈 pic.twitter.com/eLCzYHyvhg
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 28, 2025
After a slow start to his NFL career, Gadsden is up to 27 receptions on 33 targets for 385 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Gadsden is making a name for himself among a tight end rookie class that also features up-and-coming stars Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts and Harold Fannin Jr. of the Cleveland Browns.
The Chargers have done a solid job of weathering the storm and adjusting their offense to their personnel instead of the other way around.
Herbert has proven that he’s more than capable of making plays with his arm and his legs if needed.
With young weapons like wide receiver Ladd McConkey and Gadsden, this team should be very dangerous in the passing game for a long time.
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