Oronda Gadsden II held the ball in his hands.
He felt it with his gloves – and the feeling the ball jumps out of his hands before he fell into the arms of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Gadsden's gaffe on the goal line was one of several errors that played a role in ending the game. Chargers“On a four-game winning streak last week.
Defender Justin HerbertHowever, he continued to target the rookie tight end after the missed catch, providing a much-needed morale boost, Gadsden said.
Houston Texans linebacker Aziz Al-Shaair intercepts a pass that deflected off the hands of Chargers tight end Oronda Gadsden II (below) during the Chargers' loss on Dec. 27.
(Kusong Gong/Associated Press)
“The fact that he can keep looking at me and keep throwing the ball to me even after what happened means a lot,” said Gadsden, who has caught 47 passes for 641 yards and three touchdowns this season. “But it would be better if we just played. I know it can't always go this way, it can't always go your way.”
Sunday against the AFC West champion Denver Broncos (13-3) will be Gadsden's last chance to fine-tune his game before the wild-card playoffs. But for some other Chargers rookies, the game will offer something different.
Herbert will not play against the Broncos, giving him a chance to rest his surgically repaired left (non-throwing) hand before the playoffs. Trey Lance will start from Herbert's place. Trainer Jim Harbaugh said Friday that some starters will only play as backup or emergency options.
Lance, who spoke to reporters Wednesday, said he's ready for his first start as a Chargers starter.
“Going through my first five years in the league, I just learned to take things one day, one hour at a time,” said Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. “If I'm at a meeting, then I'm there. If I'm at home, then I'm there.”
Lance continued, “Very grateful, just very grateful that I will have the opportunity to get on the field.”
Outside Herbert running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) also won't play, a move that could be precautionary since the rookie spent roughly half the season on injured reserve after breaking his left ankle. Forward Jamari Salyer (hamstring), who moved to left tackle after Joe Alt injuryhasn't trained in two weeks and is listed as questionable.
Rookie offensive lineman Branson Taylor served as left guard in practice this week, which could be a sign that Zion Johnson, who has started every game this season at that position, could get a break against the Broncos.
“I'm going to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Taylor said ahead of his potential second promotion to the practice squad.
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen told reporters he plans to play to earn incentives that could add $1.75 million to his one-year contract.
Meanwhile, Denver is expected to play its starting lineup as it tries to clinch the top seed in the AFC playoffs and earn a first-round bye. According to Gadsden, the Chargers would be more than happy to play a spoiler against their division foe as they look to clinch the season in the AFC West.
“I don’t think us guys sitting down takes away from any chance we have — any motivation or confidence — to win the game,” Gadsden said.
