The loss of tight end Hunter Henry to a torn ACL has led to questions about whether the Chargers will bring Antonio Gates back for another season to bolster their passing offense.

They have resisted such a move to this point and part of the reason may be their confidence in running back Melvin Gordon.

Gordon only caught 22 passes during his time at the University of Wisconsin, but had 74 in his first two NFL seasons before moving up to 58 catches last season in a progression that has offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt pointing to the running back as part of the solution to Henry’s absence, the story said. We already have Gordon ranked seventh in PPR formats, but he may have huge fantasy value if you can get him early in the second, as ADPs currently indicate.

Damn. Adam Schefter tweeted late Tuesday night that Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry suffered what is believed to be a season-ending torn ACL during a drill. The team plans to get a second opinion Wednesday.

It’s a tough blow to Henry in what was set to be his breakout season. The Chargers signed Virgil Green to replace Antonio Gates, but may bring back Gates for another season in light of this news. Gates played limited snaps (47%) last year en route to 30 catches for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns. He would be a streaming option if he’s playing starter-type snaps (70%+).

The Los Angeles Chargers lost a huge game Saturday night to the Kansas City Chiefs. On Tuesday, they announced they lost even more than just their place in the AFC playoff picture in the primetime defeat.

The team placed tight end Hunter Henry on injured reserve after he suffered a small laceration on his kidney in the fourth quarter of the Chargers' 30-13 loss to Kansas City.

Related players: Antonio Gates

The team originally said Hunter would miss at least Weeks 16 and 17, but now even if the Bolts make it to the playoffs, they will be without Henry. Gates looks like he'll take over the top spot but hasn't really been a factor this season.

Chargers TE Hunter Henry has a small laceration on his kidney.

Related players: Antonio Gates

Wang went on to say his status is "up in the air" for the final two games of the season. It would be a big blow to the Bolts and QB Philip Rivers. Gates would likely see a bigger workload if Henry is out.

Chargers announce Philip Rivers has been cleared to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills by an independent neurological consultant.

Related players: Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry

Philip Rivers has been below-average for more than a month now, averaging just 13.9 fantasy points in his last four games. He faces a Buffalo team that has been gashed recently on the ground, meaning this could be more of a Melvin Gordon game for the Chargers. Plus, Buffalo is top-10 in our aFPA vs. QB rankings. In 1-QB leagues, it's best to bench Rivers this week.

Travis Benjamin has been one of the breakout performers through the first two weeks of training camp, making big plays on a regular basis.

And that continued in last weekend’s preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Benjamin got behind Seattle’s secondary and Kellen Clemens hit him in stride for a 74-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry

Benjamin is now fully healthy from a PCL knee sprain and says he has a better understanding of the offense which has given him more confidence. The hope for the Chargers is Benjamin's vertical threat opens up room for Allen, Gates and Henry.