As the Los Angeles Chargers entered the season, Oronde Gadsden II had impressed through both training camp and the preseason, having already emerged as perhaps the most promising player from the team's incoming rookie class.
Yet, in spite of that, Gadsden was ultimately a healthy scratch in Week 1, and, despite the fact that Gadsden has since become a massively important offensive contributor for the team, the Chargers' decision to not give him a real chance until the injury to Will Dissly opened a door continues to look more and more ridiculous.
As Gadsden has continued to perform, it is clear that he is what the offense needs to give themselves a big-play boost, and the fact that there was ever any doubt about this fact is laughable in hindsight.
Oronde Gadsden looks like the breakout performer that the Chargers need now that he has gotten his opportunity
In the preseason, Gadsden quickly emerged as a possible target for quarterback Justin Herbert, tallying 90 yards and one touchdown with seven receptions across his four games.
Yet, as the season opened, Gadsden was on the bench. In Week 1 against the Kansas Chiefs, only Dissly and Tyler Conklin got targets at tight end, with the pair combining for three receptions.
Nevertheless, Gadsden looked ready to go when he got his shot against the Denver Broncos, totaling 46 yards on seven receptions.
Moreover, while he performed well in his first four games following Dissly's injury, it was his Week 7 performance against the Indianapolis Colts that alerted the world to his breakout. Against the Colts, he totaled 164 yards on seven receptions, including a massive 53-yard catch that served as the highlight of the day for the team.
Now, in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, Gadsden amassed five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, looking like the team's premier offensive threat alongside McConkey.
Don't get it wrong, the Chargers would certainly much rather have Gadsden continue to have explosive performances and push the envelope of the offense.
However, this coaching staff has consistently had issues identifying talent, and who know what would have happened had Dissly's injury not opened a door for Gadsden.
If his role had been minimized this season, Los Angeles's offense could have become even more limited given the inconsistencies of both Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as well as the injuries to their backfield.
For now, however, Gadsden's continued elite performance makes the Chargers' potential mistake even more laughable.