Chargers' David Njoku Set to Return to Practice
The veteran tight end, sidelined since a Week 2 fibula injury, could play as early as Week 9 against the Houston Texans.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku will return to practice this week after missing five games with a fibula injury suffered in Week 2. He could return to action as early as Week 9 against the Houston Texans as the 0-7 Chargers look to find their footing.
Why it matters
The Chargers have struggled to score points this season, and Njoku's return could add a proven pass-catcher to an offense that has leaned on Charlie Kolar at tight end. His presence could also force Oronde Gadsden into a reserve role.
Njoku, a former Pro Bowl selection, has 390 career catches for 4,129 yards and 34 touchdowns, with 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. His return to the field after a five-game absence remains unconfirmed for the coming weeks.
The players
David Njoku
A former first-round pick and Pro Bowl tight end who spent nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns before signing a one-year deal with the Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers
The NFL franchise based in Los Angeles that has started the 2026 season 0-7, its worst start since 2000.
Oronde Gadsden
A Chargers wide receiver and fifth-round pick from Syracuse who has been a key target this season after posting 664 yards in 2025.
The details
Njoku suffered a fibula injury in a Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, in which he caught one pass for nine yards. Charlie Kolar has started at tight end in his absence, while Gadsden, a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, has 17 catches for 155 yards and one touchdown this season.
Timeline
Week 2, 2026: Njoku suffers a fibula injury against the Raiders.
Week 8, 2026: The Chargers lose 24-9 to the Rams, falling to 0-7 on the season.
This week, 2026: Njoku returns to practice.
Week 9, 2026: Njoku may play against the Texans.
Season Trajectory
The Chargers' 0-7 start is the franchise's worst since 2000, leaving little margin as the season moves into the middle weeks. Njoku's return could shift the offensive picture, though the team must still reverse a historically poor start to alter its playoff outlook.
Njoku's availability would give Chargers fantasy managers a potential tight end option again, with his six catches for 67 yards in two games to date. If he returns, Gadsden's targets could decline, which would matter for those rostering him.
The takeaway
Njoku's return is a reminder that a single key player's health can reshape a struggling offense, though a 0-7 start leaves the Chargers facing a steep climb. Fans and fantasy managers should watch the Week 9 injury report before assuming a full-time role.
What happens next
Njoku is expected to return to action as early as Week 9 against the Houston Texans, pending his health and the team's decision. He is also scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see the latest Football coverage.
