Chargers have no choice but to bench struggling veteran after stinker vs. Giants

Tyler Conklin was signed this past offseason to be part of the solution to the Los Angeles Chargers' inconsistencies at tight end in recent years. However, he may have already overstayed his welcome after just four games with the club.

Chargers fans want out of the Conklin business. His latest efforts (or lack thereof) in the team's shocking 21-18 loss to a previously winless New York Giants squad were ostensibly the last straw. Not only was he virtually invisible in the box score of the disappointing result, but the eighth-year veteran also contributed to a costly second-half interception.

Chargers fans are ready to end Tyler Conklin experiment after clunker vs. Giants

Conklin went to pick a New York defender and create space for his Chargers comrade Ladd McConkey to operate on a critical third-down play. Instead, the two collided, allowing Giants cornerback Dru Phillips to down with an easy pick. The turnover derailed an opportunity for Los Angeles to take the lead in the third quarter, and they never recovered from it.

A typically solid, trustworthy pass-blocker, Conklin's ineffectiveness as a receiver seems to be impacting his protection prowess. Frankly, what does he bring to the Chargers if they can't rely on him to help in either facet of the game?

The Chargers signaled they recognize Conklin's decline in real time and adjusted accordingly in New York. He saw his usage cut in half against the Giants compared to the first three contests, logging only 12 snaps and running merely nine routes. The 30-year-old was an afterthought on a day L.A. star quarterback Justin Herbert attempted 41 passes, yielding three scoreless yards on one target and reception.

Meanwhile, fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden II continues showing why he should be featured more in Los Angeles' offense. The son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden has flashed the good genes passed down to him. His combination of size, speed and athleticism is a much more appealing and intriguing bet than Conklin at this stage of a near-decade-long career.

Bolts supporters are rightfully pounding the table for Gadsden, especially while Will Dissly is dealing with a knee issue. Pro Football Focus gives Conklin an overall offensive grade of 41.5 through four weeks ($); his performance in pass protection has been a saving grace. Nevertheless, Los Angeles is getting a glaring absence of playmaking from the position, so something must give.