Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II has been enjoying an impressive rookie season, but his breakout campaign was nearly derailed during “Sunday Night Football” against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he suffered a knee injury in the second half.
After getting tangled up on a run block in the third quarter, the Syracuse alum left the game and did not return. Following the game, Gadsden was spotted in the locker room with what appeared to be a light wrap or brace on his injured left knee.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers tight end underwent an MRI on Monday morning for further evaluation. The results arrived later that day, and Chargers fans everywhere could finally exhale — Schefter reported that Gadsden is considered day-to-day with a quad bruise on his knee.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Oronde Gadsden II #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers is hit by Payton Wilson #41 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Oronde Gadsden II Emerged in His Rookie Season
Many believed Gadsden might be dealing with a bone bruise, but his injury turned out to be even less serious. The MRI revealed only a quad bruise, sparing him from a multi-week absence or any structural knee damage. There’s even a possibility the rookie tight end could suit up for Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The fifth-round pick has been a revelation this season, ranking seventh among tight ends with 466 receiving yards. If he maintains his steady production, he could in time join the league’s elite at the position. Before the Pittsburgh game, Gadsden had topped 68 yards in four straight contests. Though he struggled in the first half on Sunday before his injury, quarterback Justin Herbert continued to look his way, underscoring Gadsden’s growing importance in the Chargers’ offense.
The team is fortunate to have avoided losing him for what remains of the season’s final seven games. Even if Gadsden sits out against the Jaguars, he’ll benefit from an upcoming bye week to fully recover.
Should he be unavailable, veterans Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin would share the workload at tight end. Dissly, who began the season as the starter, has since become a healthy scratch following Gadsden’s emergence.
Omarion Hampton Expected to Return After Week 12
Chargers have managed to remain one of the AFC’s top teams despite being hit hard by injuries across the roster. Heading into Sunday’s game, several key players were inactive, including defensive back Tony Jefferson (hamstring), cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee), outside linebacker Kyle Kennard, offensive tackles Bobby Hart (knee, ankle) and Foster Sarell, and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring).
Highly regarded rookie running back Omarion Hampton has also been sidelined with an ankle injury since Week 5. Before going down, Hampton was off to a stellar start to his career. Head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that he expects Hampton to return to practice after the team’s Week 12 bye, giving the rookie additional time to heal.
In fantasy football, Hampton had quickly become one of the league’s breakout stars before his injury — posting 24.9 PPR points in Week 3 and following that up with 27.5 points and 128 rushing yards in Week 4.
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