Chargers tight end David Njoku carted off with knee injury against Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers faced a difficult start to their Sunday matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, losing tight end David Njoku to a right knee injury during the second quarter. The veteran playmaker was forced to leave the field on a medical cart, an exit that drew support from his teammates who gathered on the field to offer well wishes as he headed toward the locker room.

Following the incident, which occurred while Njoku was blocking for running back Omarion Hampton, the team officially designated him as questionable to return. Njoku, who joined the Chargers on a one-year contract this past May after a nine-season tenure with the Cleveland Browns, had recorded six receptions for 67 yards across his first two appearances for his new club.

With Njoku sidelined, the Chargers are expected to shift their offensive focus toward tight ends Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar to fill the void. Additionally, the team may look to the practice squad for depth, with Patrick Herbert—the brother of starting quarterback Justin Herbert—emerging as a potential candidate to see increased involvement should the injury to Njoku prove to be a long-term issue.