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The decision comes in the wake of a challenging weekend for the franchise, which currently sits at 0-2 following consecutive home losses to the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders. With both tight ends now unavailable, Oronde Gadsden remains the only player at the position on the Chargers' active roster.
Injury Setbacks and Roster Implications
David Njoku’s injury occurred during Sunday’s 26-14 defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran tight end, who joined the Chargers on a one-year deal in May after nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, was carted off the field with a fibula injury sustained while blocking for running back Omarion Hampton. The severity of the incident was underscored by the entire team gathering on the field to offer their support as he was transported away.
Charlie Kolar is also facing an extended recovery period due to a forearm injury. According to reports, the issue is expected to keep him sidelined for approximately one month. Kolar, who signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Chargers in March following a four-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens, has recorded three receptions for 21 yards this season. Njoku, meanwhile, had tallied eight receptions for 67 yards before his injury.
A Challenging Start to the Campaign
The loss of both tight ends compounds an already frustrating start for the Chargers. Despite entering the season with high expectations—including being ranked by the Football Power Index as having the fifth-highest odds to win the Super Bowl—the team has struggled to find momentum. The back-to-back losses to open the season have placed immediate pressure on the coaching staff to adjust their personnel strategy as they look to recover from this early-season slump.
