The Chargers are entering their most vital stretch of the season.
Los Angeles had a perfect chance to start the season undefeated; instead, they are one of eight teams at 0-2. This isn't a position many thought the Chargers would be in: starting the season at home and against two teams projected to be among the worst in the league.
However, reality is often disappointing, and the Chargers now face an uphill battle.
To make matters worse, the Chargers suffered a flurry of injuries, losing two tight ends to the injured reserve, Charlie Kolar and David Njoku.
That leaves the Chargers with only one active tight end, Oronde Gadsden.
It's only a matter of time before the Chargers add a tight end or two before their Week 3 match; however, none of them will
be relied upon like Gadsden will be moving forward.
The second-year tight end has a chance to make a major impact, and head coach Jim Harbaugh believes Gadsden can help the offense.
"A lot of confidence in Oronde's game," Harbaugh said. "So many things that he does well. A lot of confidence in Oronde."
The offense has been dormant at the start of the season. The Chargers are averaging just 14 points per game and rank 22nd in total offense.
Gadsden is no savior by any means, but he could be a key piece in the meantime. He's started the season off slowly, recording only four receptions for 50 yards; however, Gadsden did find the end zone against the Raiders.
With Kolar and Njoku out until at least Week 6, Gadsden has a golden opportunity to establish himself as a reliable, productive option for Justin Herbert and the offense.
Last week, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel mentioned that he expects Gadsden to be more involved moving forward.
For the next few weeks, McDaniel has no option but to go Gadsden's way.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Oronde Gadsden has chance to make major impact
