Chargers put Njoku, Kolar on IR ahead of Bills matchup

Two tight ends injured in Sunday's loss to Las Vegas will sit out at least four games as winless Los Angeles heads to Buffalo.

Los Angeles will travel to Buffalo shorthanded at tight end. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that David Njoku (fibula) and Charlie Kolar (forearm), both hurt in Sunday's 26-14 defeat against the Raiders, are headed to injured reserve and must sit out a minimum of four contests.

Oronde Gadsden II is now the only tight end on the 53-man roster who is healthy. Njoku, a former Cleveland player who joined the Chargers on a one-year deal in May, caught eight passes for 67 yards over the first two weeks. Kolar, who signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract in March after four years in Baltimore, added three receptions for 21 yards.

Harbaugh voiced faith in Gadsden, saying he has 'a lot of confidence in Oronde's game.' The club also has Evan Svoboda and Patrick Herbert, brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, available on the practice squad, and Harbaugh noted the front office is reviewing outside options.

Additional injuries hit elsewhere: left guard Kayode Awosika broke a bone in his fibula and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson hurt a hamstring, with both expected to 'miss some time.' If Trey Pipkins III remains out with a knee issue, Trevor Penning is in line to start at left guard.

Buffalo hosts the Chargers at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m.