Chargers starter admits unknown injury held him back last season

The Los Angeles Chargers didn't get much from the tight end position in 2024, and an injury could be the reason for that.

Los Angeles Chargers TE Will Dissly celebrates with WR DJ Chark Jr. after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Throughout the offseason, the tight end position was identified as one of the primary weaknesses on the Los Angeles Chargers roster.

Will Dissly was the starter at the position in 2024 and had the best season of his seven-year career. Dissly, who spent his first six years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, had 50 receptions on 64 targets for 481 yards and two touchdowns.

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His numbers could have been even better had he been fully healthy. Dissly revealed that he played through an AC joint injury and shoulder dislocation last year. His injury was severe enough that he couldn't lift his arms above his head for part of the season.

Chargers TE Will Dissly says he had an AC joint injury and shoulder dislocation that he played through last year. For parts of the season he couldn't lift his arms above his head.

Says he's feeling good this offseason.

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) June 3, 2025

It's impressive that Dissly was able to perform as well as he did despite the injury, but that doesn't mean he's going to head into his second year in L.A. without competition.

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden looks to make a catch during offseason workouts at The Bolt. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

During free agency, the Chargers signed Tyler Conklin, who had similar numbers as Dissly while playing for the New York Jets. There's also rookie Oronde Gadsden II, a fifth-round pick who has immense upside as a pass-catcher.

As it stands now, Dissly is the projected starter but he will have to prove himself worthy of holding onto that spot. Being back at 100 percent will help him as he heads into the battle to keep his spot.

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