general
Chargers TE David Njoku is expected to return to practice this week
Chargers TE David Njoku to return to practice this week
Charlie Kolar
TE · LAC · 27 yrs · exp 4 · Iowa State
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
1,813
Rank
#281
Pos rank
#50
7d trend
—
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Sep 7, 2026 · 1,813
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
general
Rams turn Justin Herbert's second interception into TD, lead 24-9
The Chargers' offense struggled, with Justin Herbert throwing his league-leading 10th interception, which was returned for a touchdown by the Rams. Matthew Stafford then connected with Puka Nacua for an 18-yard touchdown, extending the Rams' lead. Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson is questionable to return
TE · LAC
transaction
FA: Charlie Kolar added
sleeper-tx-free_agent+1 story · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Charlie Kolar
general
Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston off injury report, set to play vs. Chiefs
The Chargers will have two key receivers back for Sunday's game against the Chiefs
general
Five NFL teams getting the most out of their rookie class: Dolphins, Browns leading the way
Week 5 of the NFL season has come and gone, and we have a good sample size of snaps so far, including from rookies. Seven teams had more than one pick in the first round of the 2026 draft: Jets , Browns , Titans , Chiefs , Giants , Cowboys and Dolphins . So, how are those rookie classes performing in relation to others? There are several ways to measure and weigh the impact of rookie performers, but there is no substitute for playing time. Before getting into the teams whose rookies have played the most, the five lowest snap totals belong to the Broncos (63), Rams (194), Seahawks (283), Eagles (403) and Cardinals (545). Here are the rookie classes that have played the most snaps this season: Baltimore's rookie class is headlined by offensive lineman Vega Ioane. He was playing right guard but was forced to start at center in Week 5, and the acquisition of Cam Jurgens will allow the Ravens to get the five best linemen on the field. Ioane is allowing pressure for every 32.4 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas have helped the franchise absorb the losses of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar . Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane saw a significant workload in Week 1, but was then lost for the season due to injury. Cornerback Chandler Rivers and edge rushers Zion Young and Ethan Burke have also factored into the defensive rotation. New York made two selections in the top-10 overall: linebacker Arvell Reese and right guard Francis Mauigoa . Those two players have accounted for more than half of the Giants' rookie snap counts. Additionally, 22% of the rookie snap count has been played on special teams. Reese has looked the part through five games. Mauigoa is allowing a pressure once every 18.7 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Cornerback Colton Hood has started two games for the team. Wide receiver Malachi Fields has been an asset in both the run and the pass. I wrote about Fields as one of the non-first-round picks who have taken on a large role this season. Los Angeles is off to an unforeseen and uncharacteristic 0-5 start. The team's issues go well beyond injuries, but those, too, have taken a toll. When veteran center Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending injury prior to the season, it forced Day 2 selection Jake Slaughter into the starting lineup. Slaughter is allowing a pressure for every 25.7 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Ten rookies have taken offensive or defensive snaps for the Chargers this season. Of the 612 offensive snaps, five offensive linemen have combined for all but 22. Safety Genesis Smith and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor are fully immersed in the defensive rotation. All of Cleveland's top-100 overall selections have delivered thus far. Spencer Fano and Austin Barber are starting at left tackle and right guard, respectively. Fano is allowing a pressure for every 23.1 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia. Barber is allowing a pressure for every 46.3 pass blocking snaps. Wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion rank in the top three on the team in each of the following receiving categories: receptions, yards and targets. Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has seen his role expand with each passing week. His length and aggressiveness playing downhill have allowed the team to be more creative with personnel and blitz packages. McNeil-Warren often takes on the role of playing single high when the team opts for it. Cleveland's five other draft selections have a combined 118 snaps; all but three of which have come on special teams. Miami is on pace for 7,106 rookie snaps played this season, which is just off the pace for the most played in a season over the last decade. The Browns' 2016 rookie class played 7,185 snaps during a 16-game season. I previously wrote about that Browns class and other high-volume rookie classes over the last decade. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez leads all NFL players with 57 tackles. He, along with safety Mich [... truncated ...]
general
What's next for Chargers? Why Khalil Mack should be traded, plus what to do about Jim Harbaugh, Mike McDaniel
Five teams entered Week 5 with an 0-4 record, no two more surprising than the Texans and the Chargers . Both playoff staples of the past few years, they were trying to take the first step in joining the 1992 Chargers as the only teams to start 0-4 and make the postseason. One succeeded. The Texans thumped the inept Titans 26-3. The other failed. The Chargers fell 23-17 to the Broncos in an eyesore of a game. Neither Bo Nix nor Justin Herbert reached 125 yards passing. The Broncos' 224 yards of offense were the second-fewest in a win this season. The difference was turnovers. The Broncos forced three -- awful fumbles by Herbert and Charlie Kolar and a terrible pick by Herbert -- and turned that into 13 points. A fourth "turnover," a turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter, set the stage for the collapse. The Chargers had actually scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 17-10 lead. Their possessions after that? Three and out, turnover on downs, fumble, interception, end of game. The Chargers lead the NFL with 13 turnovers this season, and they've come in all shapes and sizes. Simply put, it's over. It might have been over for a while, but this absolutely drives the point home in more ways than one. Not only is it over in terms of competitive football, but, with the trade deadline less than a month away, it's over in terms of what the next big goals should be for this organization. The Chargers started four rookies on the offensive line, three of whom were drafted in the fourth round or later. Herbert took five sacks, including one, fittingly, on the final play, setting up for a Hail Mary. BRONCOS DEFENSE CALLS GAME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/uHv9ChQAmx Los Angeles was also without its top two wide receivers, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston . But guess what? The Broncos were without their top two corners -- superstar Patrick Surtain II as well as Riley Moss -- and figured out a way to defend effectively. Bad teams find ways to lose games, and the Chargers are a bad team. Technically speaking, the Chargers have the Chiefs next week as their brutal schedule continues. But in the grander scheme, up next are big questions about the roster, the coaching staff and the front office. Those questions must be answered, maybe sooner rather than later. Jim Harbaugh got two pointed questions to end his press conference on Sunday. First: Do things have to change -- particularly with the offense -- given the struggles, or is it to continue doing what they've been doing? "Just keep digging deep and moving forward," Harbaugh said. "That's what staying the course looks like, and coach being right about the decisions, these critical decisions. That's as important as anything." Second question: Why stay the course when the course has led you here? "Keep working harder, keep working smarter," Harbaugh said. "That's just the truth. That's the answer." Harbaugh has to say that then, but it's clear it's not the answer. In fact, earlier in the press conference when asked about what message can get through to an 0-5 team, Harbaugh said, "I don't know what that message is." There is no message for a team like this, no magic potion. The marriage between Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has gone completely bust. There were always going to be differences between the two stylistically -- Herbert hangs in the pocket and delivers downfield, McDaniel wants a quick, on-time passing attack -- but Herbert looks like he needs a complete reboot. I know the Herbert discourse is treading on thin ice, but this is a quarterback who threw three interceptions in 2024 and seven in 2023. He threw 13 last year, but his 2.5% interception rate was hardly worrying. This year, he has seven picks already, many of the jaw-dropping-bad variety. His 4.9% interception rate is second-worst in the NFL and on par with J.J. McCarthy last year. Yikes! It's also not indicative of who he is as a player. He entered this season with a 1.7% interceptio [... truncated ...]
general
Joe Alt, Derwin James among Chargers ruled out for Sunday
Pro Football TalkSource ↗
Several Chargers players ruled out or questionable for Sunday's game
analyst
Trey Lance (groin) listed doubtful Sunday
Trey Lance is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos
TE · LAC
transaction
Waiver: Charlie Kolar added
sleeper-tx-waiver+1 story · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Charlie Kolar
general
Chargers LT Rashawn Slater is an IR candidate as he will "miss some time"
Rashawn Slater likely to miss 4‑6 weeks; other Chargers players remain in evaluation or day‑to‑day status
general
Chargers S Derwin James, Seahawks S Ty Okada are inactive
The Chargers will not have safety Derwin James today against the Seahawks. James is inactive with his hamstring injury after being listed as questionable. The other four players the Chargers listed as questionable are dressed. Backup quarterback Trey Lance (groin), wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring) and cornerback Donte Jackson (concussion) are active. The team’s other inactives are quarterback Dj Uiagalelei, offensive lineman Alex Harkey, offensive lineman Kayode Awosika (fibula), tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm), wide receiver Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring). Uiagalelei will serve as the emergency third quarterback. The Seahawks will not have safety Ty Okada for a fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The team listed him as questionable. Rodney Thomas II will start for Okada again. Cornerback Avery Smith, linebacker Chazz Surratt (calf), wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr., tight end Nick Kallerup, nose tackle Brandon Pili and quarterback Jalen Milroe are the other inactives. Milroe will serve as the emergency third quarterback
general
Chargers list Derwin James, Ladd McConkey, Trey Lance as questionable
Chargers list several players as questionable, including Derwin James, Ladd McConkey, and Trey Lance
TE · LAC
transaction
FA: Charlie Kolar dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Charlie Kolar
general
DJ Moore will play for the Bills on Sunday
Bills wide receiver DJ Moore hurt his shoulder in a Week 2 win over the Lions, but he had more than a week to recover from the injury and that was enough time for him to get cleared for action. Moore is active for the Bills as they try to move to 3-0 on the season at home against the 0-2 Chargers. The Bills will also get defensive tackle Ed Oliver back in the lineup. Oliver missed the Lions game after injuring his hip in pregame warmups and was listed as questionable along with Moore and wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman is also active for Buffalo while backup quarterback Trey Lance is active for the Chargers. DJ Uiagalelei was summoned from the practice squad as insurance after Lance was listed as questionable, but there will be no change behind Justin Herbert. Chargers at Bills Chargers: S Elijah Molden, QB DJ Uiagalelei, OL Alex Harkey, G Kayode Awosika, TE Charlie Kolar, WR Brenen Thompson, DT Dalvin Tomlinson Bills: WR Skyler Bell, OL Jude Bowry, OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams, DL T.J. Sanders, LB Mike Danna, S Jalon Kilgore Panthers at Browns Panthers: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, QB Haynes King, WR Xavier Legette, S Nick Scott, LB Devin Lloyd, OT Albert Reese, DT Cam Jackson Browns: CB Tyson Campbell, QB Taylen Green, LB Justin Jefferson, C Parker Brailsford, G Teven Jenkins Jets at Lions Jets: WR Adonai Mitchell, DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, TE Mason Taylor, RB Kene Nwangwu, CB Nahshon Wright, K Blake Grupe, LB Kiko Mauigoa Lions: G Ben Bartch, TE Tyler Conklin, S Bishop Fitzgerald, DL Ahmed Hassanein, LB Devin White, DL Mekhi Wingo Texans at Colts Texans: TE Brevin Jordan, CB Collin Wright, WR Nico Collins, G Ed Ingram, DE Jadeveon Clowney, OL Nate Thomas Colts: WR Ashton Dulin, WR Darius Slayton, DE George Gumbs, G Dailton Tucker, RB DJ Giddens, QB Riley Leonard Patriots at Jaguars Patriots: S Craig Woodson, LB Dre’Mont Jones, QB Behren Morton, OT Dametrious Crownover, TE Eli Raridon, DT Leonard Taylor Jaguars: WR CJ Williams, S Jalen Huskey, LB Jack Kiser, OL Daniel Faalele, DE Wesley Williams, DT Albert Regis Chiefs at Dolphins Chiefs: TE Jared Wiley, QB Garrett Nussmeier, DB Chamarri Conner, DE Jack Pyburn, OT Josh Simmons, DE Tyreke Smith Dolphins: QB Brady Cook, WR Caleb Douglas, RB Jaylen Wright, CB Marcellus Dial, OL DJ Campbell, DL Rob Beal Jr., OL Chukweubuka Godrick Titans at Giants Titans: OL Atonio Mafi, DL Jackie Marshall, OL Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, TE Kylen Granson, DB Jaylon Jones, RB Michael Carter Giants: RB Devin Singletary, TE Thomas Fidone, OL J.C. Davis, DL Josh Tupou, DL Bobby Jamison-Travis, CB Deonte Banks, S Tyler Nubin Bengals at Steelers Bengals: CB Josh Newton, C Connor Lew, OT Myles Hinton, TE Jack Endries, DT BJ Hill, DT Landon Robinson Steelers: RB Rico Dowdle, QB Drew Allar, QB Will Howard, CB Joey Porter Jr., RB Eli Heidenreich, DT Kevin Jobity Jr., DT Gabriel Rubio Seahawks at Commanders Seahawks: S Julian Love, S Ty Okada, DT Brandon Pili, QB Jalen Milroe, WR Montorie Foster, CB Avery Smith, LB Connor O’Toole Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LB Frankie Luvu, LB Javontae Jean-Baptiste, G Sam Cosmi, TE Chig Okonkwo
TE · LAC
transaction
FA: Charlie Kolar dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Charlie Kolar
general
Chargers place OL Trey Pipkins III on IR, sign QB DJ Uiagalelei to active roster
Pro Football TalkSource ↗
The Chargers placed offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III on injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. Pipkins, who was ruled out for Week 3 with a knee injury, will miss at least the next four games. With Kayode Awosika (fibula) also ruled out, Trevor Penning will start at left guard. In a corresponding move, the team signed quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to the active roster. In addition, the Chargers elevated tight end Patrick Herbert and outside linebacker Caleb Murphy from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Backup quarterback Trey Lance popped up on Friday’s injury report as questionable, prompting the Chargers to sign Uiagalelei to the active roster. He will backup Justin Herbert against the Bills if Lance is unavailable. The Chargers are hurting at tight end with injuries to David Njoku and Charlie Kolar, so Patrick Herbert will add depth. Murphy is a core special teams player
general
Chargers add Trey Lance to injury report, list him as questionable for Sunday
Trey Lance added to injury report, questionable for Sunday
analyst
Oronde Gadsden II 'ready to step up' per HC Jim Harbaugh
Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II is ready to step up with David Njoku and Charlie Kolar sidelined
analyst
Oronde Gadsden "Ready to Step Up"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that tight end Oronde Gadsden "had a very good week" and is "ready to step up" in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday with both Charlie Kolar (forearm) and David Njoku (leg) out, according to Alex Insdorf. Harbaugh added that he thinks Gadsden has improved as a blocker. The 23-year-old should have been one of the more intriguing tight end pickups off the waiver wire after both Kolar and Njoku were injured in the team's Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku is on Injured Reserve, and Kolar could miss several weeks with his injury. Gadsden only had two catches for 18 yards on Sunday against the Raiders, but he did manage to find the end zone for his first touchdown of the 2026 season. The Bills have been vulnerable against tight ends early this season, so this could be the perfect storm for Gadsden to be an excellent streamer at the TE position. As a rookie last year, Gadsden caught 49 of his 69 targets for 664 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games
TE · LAC
transaction
FA: Charlie Kolar dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Charlie Kolar
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.