Chargers' David Njoku returns to practice after 5-game absence: what it means for Week 9

Key numbers

What happened?

The Los Angeles Chargers have set a new NFL record by becoming the first team to start 0-7 after winning at least 11 games the previous year, according to The Big Lead. This marks their worst start since 2000, when they finished 1-15 under current head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The team's offensive struggles have been severe, with 27 consecutive drives without a touchdown and a ranking as the worst offense in the NFL in both EPA per play and success rate, per The Big Lead. Quarterback Justin Herbert leads the league with 10 interceptions, adding to the growing concerns about the team's direction.

Who is affected?

The Chargers' players, fans, and the NFL community are directly affected by the team's historic losing streak. Players like tight end David Njoku, who has been sidelined for five games, and rookie running back Oronde Gadsden, who has seen reduced playing time, are key figures whose roles may shift with Njoku's return.

Fans are left disappointed by the team's inability to secure a single win, while the NFL community watches as the Chargers set unwanted records. The team's offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, has faced significant criticism, though Harbaugh has expressed no intention of changing his role.

The Chargers' 0-7 start is the first time in NFL history a team has begun a season winless after winning 11 or more games the prior year. Their 27 consecutive drives without a touchdown is another historic low, and Herbert's 10 interceptions lead the league.

What to do next?

The Chargers' next game is against the Houston Texans on Sunday, November 8, at SoFi Stadium. With Njoku potentially returning, the team will aim to break their losing streak, though the Texans are favored (-4.5) and the Chargers have not covered the spread in any of their games this season.

Fans and analysts are divided on whether the team should make drastic changes, such as benching Herbert or trading key players, but for now, the focus remains on Week 9 and the possibility of securing their first win.

What we know and don't know

We know Njoku will return to practice this week and could play in Week 9, but we don't yet know if he will be fully ready or if his return will significantly impact the offense. The Chargers' offensive struggles remain a mystery, with no clear solutions in sight.

We also know the team's record-breaking start has raised questions about the future of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, but Harbaugh has not indicated any changes. The team's next steps, including potential trades or roster adjustments, remain uncertain.

Timeline of Chargers news

1. 2026-11-01: Chargers lose to the Rams 24-9, extending their losing streak to 7 games and setting a new NFL record for starting 0-7 after winning 11+ games the previous year.
2. 2026-11-02: David Njoku suffers a fibula injury in Week 2 against the Raiders, forcing the Chargers to rely on Charlie Kolar as the primary tight end.
3. 2026-11-03: Njoku returns to practice, with the potential to play in Week 9 against the Texans. The Chargers' offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, continues to face criticism for the team's struggles.
4. 2026-11-08: Chargers host the Houston Texans in Week 9, with Njoku's return potentially altering the team's offensive dynamics.

Why it matters

The Chargers' historic start has far-reaching implications for the team's future, including potential changes in coaching staff, roster adjustments, and fan expectations. The team's inability to secure a win has drawn national attention, making their Week 9 matchup against the Texans a critical moment.

For fans, the stakes are high as they watch their team attempt to break a record that no other franchise has achieved. The Chargers' offensive struggles have also sparked debates about the future of the NFL's offensive landscape and the role of quarterbacks like Justin Herbert.

What we don't know

It remains unclear whether Njoku's return will be enough to turn around the Chargers' offense, or if more drastic changes—such as benching Herbert or trading key players—will be necessary. The team's long-term strategy and the future of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel are also uncertain.

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Sources

• Chargers Set to Get Key Offensive Player Back at Practice This Week — sports.yahoo.com, 2026-11-03
• Chargers make NFL history with infamous statistic — thebiglead.com, 2026-11-03
• Texans vs. Chargers Prediction, Odds, Spread, Injuries, Trends for NFL Week 9 — si.com, 2026-11-03
• Chargers review: Here are some radical ideas for the rest of a lost season — dailynews.com, 2026-11-02
• Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Two offensive snaps versus Rams — cbssports.com, 2026-11-04
• Chargers lose again over the weekend, but Madison Beer's Halloween costume was a winner — foxnews.com, 2026-11-03