The Chargers ran two TEs out with the first unit for Thursday night's brief appearance against the 49ers. Neither of those guys was second-year TE Oronde Gadsden. Charlie Kolar and David Njoku each played two of Justin Herbert's three snaps before clear starters left the preseason contest. Njoku played three more snaps before his night ended, while Kolar played six more. Gadsden wound up tallying 2 catches for 24 yards among 3 targets, but his first look didn't come until early in the second quarter on the team's third possession.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Just Don't Draft Him
This looks even worse for Gadsden when you factor in Thursday night's WR situation.
The Chargers went without Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris because of minor injuries, leaving fourth-round rookie Brenen Thompson joining Ladd McConkey as the starting WRs.
McConkey left the game with Herbert after the first possession, while Thompson played nine snaps before leaving.
The initial lineup clearly positioned Gadsden behind the two veteran TEs, but his skill set would make the second-year man a sensible fit as a fill-in WR.
There's obviously room for Gadsden to work his way up the depth chart as the season goes, but there's no reason for you to exercise that kind of patience in redraft.
The Chargers sport good depth at WR and RB, and OC Mike McDaniel's Miami offenses weren't friendly to TE production overall. Jonnu Smith's 88-catch 2024 was an outlier, and the team traded him the ensuing offseason rather than enhance his contract.
Don't bother with Gadsden for 2026 redraft formats.
Kolar and Njoku will also have trouble delivering usable numbers for most redraft outfits. Kolar's contract makes him the best bet for playing time, if you're looking for a TE3 with a shot to contribute a few TDs in best ball.
Dynasty Impact: Keep the Talent Stashed
It's too early to give up on Gadsden for the long term.
Not only did he flash his receiving upside as a fifth-round rookie, but McDaniel's Chargers stint could also prove short-lived.
The former Dolphins coach got head-coaching looks after Miami canned him but opted for this post. Don't be surprised if a strong offensive season from the Chargers makes McDaniel a hot candidate next offseason.
And keep Gadsden stashed in dynasty where possible, unless you're getting a good return from a manager who remains overly excited about the young TE.
