Chargers Tight End David Njoku Suffered Knee Injury
The tight end left SoFi Stadium on a cart during the second quarter of the team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
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Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku sustained a knee injury during the team's 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on September 20, 2026. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game after being carted to the locker room during the second quarter.
Why it matters
The loss of Njoku deprives the Chargers of a key offensive weapon who signed a one-year contract with the team in May 2026. His departure during a critical divisional matchup forces the team to adjust their roster rotation immediately.
Before exiting the game, David Njoku recorded one reception for nine yards on three targets. The Chargers ultimately fell to the Raiders with a final score of 26-14.
The players
David Njoku
He is a tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers who signed a one-year contract with the team in May 2026.
Omarion Hampton
He is a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers who was the ball carrier during the play where Njoku was injured.
Derwin James
He is a safety for the Los Angeles Chargers who temporarily exited the game against the Raiders with a hand injury.
The details
Njoku went down while blocking on a running play for Omarion Hampton during the second quarter. Medical staff attended to him on the field at SoFi Stadium before transporting him to the locker room.
Timeline
May 2026: David Njoku signed a one-year deal with the Chargers.
September 20, 2026: The Los Angeles Chargers played the Las Vegas Raiders.
Season Trajectory
This injury disrupts the Chargers' offensive rhythm and complicates their depth chart early in the 2026 campaign. The team must now evaluate internal replacements to maintain their competitiveness within a tight divisional race.
Fantasy football managers should remove Njoku from their active lineups given his confirmed exit from the contest. The team will likely rely more heavily on secondary pass-catchers during his upcoming period of recovery.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries to key players like Njoku require teams to utilize reserve personnel and adjust their offensive strategies mid-game. Staying updated on depth chart adjustments is essential for fans tracking the team's progress throughout the season.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster updates, visit the Los Angeles Football section.
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