Chargers Beat: TE Orande Gadsden needs to work on blocking

Aug 31, 2026

Oronde Gadsden II emerged as a real pass-catching threat for the Chargers last season, posting 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns. But he won't be able to see the field consistently in McDaniel's offense until he gets more consistent as a blocker.

Related players: David Njoku, Charlie Kolar

Fantasy Impact:

The story said if he's able to work on his blocking, the Chargers will have a three-headed monster at the position. It's been quite the fall for Gadsden from when he was a hot commodity at the position last year, especially in dynasty leagues. The Chargers brought in Kolar and Njoku in the offseason, and the story went on to say about Kolar: "if they can unlock his dormant pass-catching skill set this season, [Kolar] has a very clear path to establishing himself as an every-down TE in McDaniel's scheme. That will more than make up for any surprise that came when his contract was first confirmed." The story ranked Kolar as the team's top TE and called Njoku the perfect "middle ground" between Kolar and Gadsden. This will be a situation to watch this season. It seems the Chargers are banking on Kolar's blocking and his pass-catching skills to emerge.

today

Chargers Beat: Keaton Mitchell looks like RB2

BoltsBeat.com

2 minutes ago

Keaton Mitchell looks to be RB2 in this offense based on his fit within OC Mike McDaniel's scheme, and if he can stay healthy, he'll have an enlarged snap share available alongside Hampton— who the Chargers may try to grant some rest to over the course of the season based on the depth of this room.

Related players: Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal

Fantasy Impact:

There was some cryptic stuff from McDaniel about Mitchell last week that had some wondering what exactly was going on with the Chargers backfield. Hampton is the clear RB1, and it appears Mitchell has the RB2 job ahead of Vidal. The story said Vidal is on the rise, however, and is a pass catching weapon, but didn't show a lot this offseason and has some work to do. Mitchell can be a pass catching weapon too, but as the story said, if Hampton would get hurt, Mitchell isn't really a bell-cow back who would take right over. It looks like for now Mitchell may have the early edge as the team's RB2, however.

yesterday

Seahawks place Zach Charbonnet on PUP list

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 8:08 PM EDT

The Seahawks placed RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list.

Fantasy Impact:

Charbonnet is still recovering from his ACL injury suffered in last season's Divisional Playoff against the 49ers. There were talks Charbonnet could be ready for Week 1, but this move ensures Charbonnet will miss at least the first four games of the season. Rookie Jadarian Price is set to be the lead back to start the season, though he did deal with lower-body injuries. He is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Patriots next Wednesday. George Holani could also mix into the offense.

J.J. McCarthy makes Vikings’ initial 53

Minnesota Vikings

yesterday · 6:44 PM EDT

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy made the initial 53-man roster Sunday.

Fantasy Impact:

There were rumblings over the weekend McCarthy would be let go, but the Vikings are going with four quarterbacks, at least for now, among their 53: Kyler Murray, McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer. There is still a chance the Vikings seek a trade for McCarthy. Keeping four quarterbacks gives them that potential flexibility. The extra time between roster cutdown and Week 1 makes this more possible than in previous years.