Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden drew just 3 targets in Sunday's loss at Buffalo and caught none of them. But it wasn't for lack of availability. Gadsden ranked third on the team in routes, running 28 to 32 for both Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. That edged Tre' Harris (26) and represented 73.9% of QB Justin Herbert's dropbacks. TE Hayden Rucci stayed close to Gadsden in playing time, getting 28 snaps to Gadsden's 39. That gap proved smaller in the first half, when Gadsden played 17 of the Chargers' 34 snaps and Rucci played 13.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Gadsden Got Time But Needs More
It's interesting to note that Gadsden played 50% of L.A.'s snaps in the first half, which the Chargers led almost the whole way. (Buffalo tied the score at 10 with 16 seconds left.) The second half saw Gadsden play 62.9% of the snaps.
The Chargers still didn't trail for much time there. Buffalo took its first lead with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter, leaving L.A. to run just two drives from behind.
That all probably means we're still learning about Gadsden's role and usage. But we at least saw him lead Chargers TEs in playing time and dominate receiving usage. (Rucci ran only nine routes.)
Gadsden could prove to be an important option against quality pass defenses from the Seahawks and Broncos the next two weeks. He'll be a risky fantasy play until we see a useful outing, though.
