The Los Angeles Chargers lost two tight ends in one game.
They'll be without both of them against the Buffalo Bills.
David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are being placed on injured reserve after suffering injuries during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday.
Njoku suffered a fibula injury and Kolar injured his forearm. Both will have to miss at least four games, leaving Oronde Gadsden II as the only healthy tight end on Los Angeles' 53-man roster.
The injuries create another problem for a Chargers offense that has struggled during an 0-2 start and invested heavily at tight end during the offseason.
Njoku signed a one-year contract with Los Angeles in May after spending his first nine NFL seasons with Cleveland.
Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract in March after four seasons with Baltimore.
The two had played significant roles through the Chargers' first two games. Kolar played 68 offensive snaps and Njoku played 40 before both left Sunday's loss, according to ESPN. Gadsden played 34.
Njoku had eight catches for 67 yards through two games, while Kolar had three receptions for 21 yards.
"A lot of confidence in Oronde's game," Harbaugh said Monday. "So many things that he does well. A lot of confidence in Oronde."
Los Angeles has two tight ends, Evan Svoboda and Patrick Herbert, on its practice squad. Herbert is the younger brother of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Harbaugh said the Chargers are working on evaluating potential additions at the position.
"It's something we're working with the personnel department and the team," Harbaugh said. "We're going through that today."
The injuries weren't limited to tight end.
Starting left guard Kayode Awosika suffered a fibula injury and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson injured his hamstring against Las Vegas. Harbaugh said both are expected to "miss some time."
Buffalo hosts Los Angeles at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Highmark Stadium.
Awosika's injury could further complicate an already unsettled offensive line. Trey Pipkins III, who rotated with Awosika at left guard in Week 1, missed Sunday's game with a knee injury. Harbaugh said Trevor Penning will start at left guard against Buffalo if Pipkins remains unavailable.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Chargers lose 2 tight ends to IR before Week 3 game vs. Bills
