LA Chargers fans' list of desires for the Bolts has grown to the length of a Costco shopping list. That is what happens when a team is throttled with injuries yet still has a high enough ceiling to make a fanbase believe.
Not every desire is created equal, and with some, fans simply want to see less of particular players. That is certainly the case with veteran tight end Tyler Conklin, who quickly wore out his welcome in LA through just five weeks of the season.
Will Dissly returned from injury in Week 6 and with the emergence of rookie Oronde Gadsden II, the Chargers gave fans exactly what they wanted: no Conklin. Conklin was not part of the game plan at all on Sunday, which should be a sign of things to come.
Chargers listen to fans, phase Tyler Conklin out of the offense
Conklin was originally brought in as a pass-catching veteran who could split snaps with Dissly, who is a block-first tight end. The former Jets tight end was signed before the Bolts drafted Gadsden, who quickly became a fan favorite.
Chargers fans wanted Gadsden to play more after he impressed in training camp and the preseason. Gadsden didn't get that chance right away, serving as a healthy scratch until Dissly was hurt. Once Gadsden was active, he proved he can produce at the NFL level.
Conklin, meanwhile, did the opposite. Whether it was dropping a screen pass against the Denver Broncos, picking his own wide receiver on a route leading to an interception against the New York Giants, or letting a fourth-and-short conversion bonk off his helmet, Conklin was making mistake after mistake.
Gadsden actually made a costly mistake of his own against the Dolphins, fumbling in the first half. Normally, this would be a snap-count killer on a Jim Harbaugh-led team, especially for a rookie who is still trying to establish himself in the league.
Not for Gadsden. The Chargers continued trotting Gadsden out, resulting in a seven-catch, 68-yard game. Harbaugh doubled down on his support after the game by pointing out how Gadsden responded to the early gaffe.
If the game itself was the dagger for Conklin, Harbaugh's comments twisted it further. Unless there are injuries at some point, it's hard to imagine Conklin getting any playing time whatsoever in the tight end room.
And quite frankly, the Chargers are better off that way.