Oronde Gadsden II Receives Encouraging Injury Update

The Los Angeles Chargers got the news they were hoping for this week. 

As Chargers Wire noted, rising rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II avoided a major setback after exiting Sunday night’s win over the Steelers with a leg injury.

What initially appeared to be a concerning knee issue turned out to be a quad bruise. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh quickly reassured reporters that Gadsden would be back on the field.

“Oronde’s good. He’ll practice today,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. 

He offered the clearest sign that the promising playmaker is trending toward playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. 

The update was met with relief in the Chargers’ building, as Gadsden has rapidly become one of the offense’s most trusted pass catchers. 

Entering a crucial AFC matchup, his return could not come at a better time. 

Gadsden’s Injury Scare and Latest Status for Week 11

Gadsden left Sunday’s game after landing awkwardly during the first half as cameras showed him grabbing at his right leg.  

Trainers evaluated him on the sideline, and although he attempted to loosen up, the Chargers opted to keep him limited out of caution. 

Postgame testing ruled out any structural damage. 

What originally looked like a possible knee sprain was instead diagnosed as a quad bruise. 

By Wednesday, he was back as a full participant in practice.

The latest injury report did not list a game-status designation for him. 

This is a strong indication he is expected to play.

Harbaugh made sure to reinforce the team’s confidence in the rookie’s toughness and preparation.

“He wanted to go back in on Sunday,” Harbaugh said.

“He’s a competitor. The trainers made the smart call, and he checked out fine this week.” 

Quarterback Justin Herbert also echoed that sentiment, praising how quickly Gadsden has grown into his role.

“He’s dependable. He’s where he’s supposed to be,” Herbert told reporters last week. “When you throw him the ball, he makes you right.”

With the Chargers eyeing their eighth win and jockeying for playoff positioning, having Gadsden available gives Herbert a key outlet against a stingy Jaguars defense. 

Jacksonville should come out playing with its hair on fire after a heartbreaking loss last week to the Texans. 

Gadsden Emerging as Breakout Rookie 

The rookie has quietly been one of the Chargers’ most productive and efficient receivers all season and his impact has grown each week. 

So far this season he has 35 receptions on 44 targets, 466 receiving yards with a 79.5 catch rate. 

Over the past month, he’s averaging more than 60 yards per game, including a game against the Colts in which finished with 9 catches, 164 yards and a touchdown. 

Prior to the game against the Steelers in which he left for injury, he was averaging 94 receiving yards per game in his four previous games. 

His 6-foot-5 frame and great athleticism for a tight end give the Chargers a huge matchup advantage, especially on third down and in the red zone.

Harbaugh has repeatedly praised Gadsden’s maturity and preparation, especially for a first-year tight end.

He’s ahead of schedule,” Harbaugh said. “He studies, he practices hard, and he’s earned every snap. You can feel his confidence growing.”

Herbert added, “He’s becoming a big part of who we are on offense.” 

As the Chargers gear up for a critical road game in Jacksonville, all signs point to Oronde Gadsden II being available and a continued big part of the Chargers offense.

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