Everyone with fantasy football ties to the Los Angeles Chargers is asking questions. Justin Herbert’s broken left hand has changed things. The pass catchers and running backs alike need to have their fantasy standing evaluated. And that includes rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Can we still trust him as a TE1 play?
Analysis
After an early-season breakout, Oronde Gadsden II owners or waiver-wire adders had to feel great about him. He was putting up massive performances that were winning weeks single-handedly. Over four weeks, he put up at least five catches for at least 68 yards in all four games. But things have changed.
In the past three weeks, Gadsden II has totaled six catches for 81 yards. Not only is production declining, but the opportunity is waning. His snaps are down, followed by a decline in targets. In those three weeks, he’s gone from six to five to two targets. It’s bad timing for Herbert’s injury to change things.
Perhaps there will be no fallout from Herbert’s broken hand. But my gut tells me he’ll want to get the ball out quicker to avoid taking sacks and making the injury worse. That benefits players like Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, who are short-area maestros. It’s a more challenging proposition for a seam stretcher like Gadsden II.
If you can find an alternative to Gadsden II, I’d take it. The party might be over for him this season. If no reasonable TE1 alternative is available, you might as well roll with him and hope for a big play.
