Los Angeles Chargers: 2 Players to Watch vs. Texans (Week 9)
On Nov. 6, 2026, the Los Angeles Chargers previewed two players to watch ahead of their Week 9 game at SoFi Stadium against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT, according to the Chargers’ official site. The team highlighted offensive tackle Joe Alt and second-year tight end Oronde Gadsden as players who could influence the matchup. The preview focused on each players recent performance and how they might match up against Houston’s defense.
Joe Alt returned in Week 8 after missing two games, and the Chargers described his performance as a seamless comeback. Alt allowed no pressures in that game, marking the third time this season he has allowed zero pressures in a game he started and finished, and Pro Football Focus gave him a pass-blocking grade of 89.9, the best among tackles for the week. The team noted Alt has allowed four total pressures and no sacks in 169 pass-blocking snaps, and his 98.8 pass-blocking efficiency ranks third among tackles with at least 150 pass-blocking reps. Coach Jim Harbaugh praised Alt for moving to left tackle, and Alt credited the mental work and reps for making the transition while Rashawn Slater remains on injured reserve.
The Chargers highlighted second-year tight end Oronde Gadsden after he posted his best game of the season in Week 8, when he led the team with five receptions and totaled a season-high 52 receiving yards. Three of those receptions produced first downs, and 29 of his yards came after the catch. The team noted Gadsdens five catches tied for eighth most among tight ends in Week 8 and that his reception total ranks second on the Chargers this season. The preview said Gadsden could be a key piece against a Houston pass defense that is allowing 244 passing yards per game but has limited production to tight ends, yielding just over four receptions for 46 yards per game to the position.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Alts return and season-long pass-protection metrics give the Chargers a clear advantage in keeping their quarterback clean, particularly with Slater on injured reserve and Alt sliding to left tackle. The Chargers will test that edge against a Texans pass rush led by Anderson Jr. and Hunter, both of whom the preview identified as key threats. Gadsdens recent production and ability to gain yards after the catch provide a potential mismatch opportunity if the Chargers involve him more in the passing game. If Los Angeles can sustain its pass protection and get Gadsden opportunities beyond the line of scrimmage, it could shape the Chargers offensive plan in Week 9.