Justin Herbert Drops Surprising Praise for Chargers Rookie—Is This Star in the Making?

Ever wonder how a team expected to pound the rock suddenly finds its mojo through the air? That’s the intriguing tale unfolding with the Los Angeles Chargers this season. With the bruising ground game plans sidelined thanks to injuries, quarterback Justin Herbert has stepped up big-time, proving he’s not just a gunslinger but a playmaker who can carry the offense when called upon. This shift hasn’t just kept the Chargers afloat—it’s spotlighted rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II, whose rapid rise is making waves and forcing analysts to rethink the team’s offensive identity. So, can this duo maintain their sizzling chemistry, or is this just a midseason fluke? Strap in—this story’s just getting good.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. — (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Chargers were expected to be a run-heavy team this season.

That’s usually the case whenever coordinator Greg Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh are in charge of an offense.

Unfortunately, losing veteran Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton to injury may have changed those plans.

That’s why quarterback Justin Herbert has been asked to do even more than usual.

Notably, that has helped rookie Oronde Gadsden II take a big leap.

He’s gotten more involved in the passing game, and Herbert recently praised the young tight end.

“It’s been the same thing that we’ve seen all year. It started in camp, and we knew how good he was going to be. He’s going to make a ton of plays for us. He’s going to have a super long career. Just excited to be around for him,” Herbert said.

oronde on the rise pic.twitter.com/eLCzYHyvhg

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 28, 2025

After a slow start to his NFL career, Gadsden is up to 27 receptions on 33 targets for 385 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Gadsden is making a name for himself among a tight end rookie class that also features up-and-coming stars Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts and Harold Fannin Jr. of the Cleveland Browns.

The Chargers have done a solid job of weathering the storm and adjusting their offense to their personnel instead of the other way around.

Herbert has proven that he’s more than capable of making plays with his arm and his legs if needed.

With young weapons like wide receiver Ladd McConkey and Gadsden, this team should be very dangerous in the passing game for a long time.

The post Justin Herbert Raves About Standout Chargers Rookie appeared first on The Cold Wire.