The Chargers rookies came up big under the lights in primetime.

In a game where the Bolts needed to bounce back, they did so in a big way with the help from some of their first-year players in a 37-10 win on Thursday Night Football.

"The young guys that keep stepping up," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said. "It's really great for our team."

Headlining the group was a trio of players in tight end Oronde Gadsden, wide receiver Tre’ Harris and safety R.J. Mickens, with the latter two notching career firsts.

But it was Gadsden who got the night started, however, as he continued his elite play from the last few weeks.

The Chargers fifth-round pick was busy from the jump and hauled in five receptions for 77 yards, including an opening-drive touchdown in the first quarter.

A week after scoring for the first time, making it two in a row was a special moment for the rookie.

"Just trying to be consistent every day in practice and be a reliable target," Gadsden said postgame. "Those two things can take you a long way."

He later added: "It feels great to be able to get in the end zone and be able to feel the joy of helping the team, especially when you get a win like this."

He continued to show his versatility moving around the formation, making plays in all lengths of the field and attracting extra attention from the Minnesota defense as the game went on.

Gadsden became the third rookie tight end since 1970 to have over 300 receiving yards across a three-game span as he has tallied 309 since Week 6.

"As soon as he got here for camp we knew he was going to be pretty good … We're definitely going to get him the ball as much as we can because good things happen when he gets it," Herbert said.

Ladd McConkey added: "He's a stud. I saw that in OTAs and training camp. I knew he was special. Now he's getting his opportunity and he's playing like a vet."

Gadsden logged the most snaps among his position for another week, thriving with a heavy workload and quickly ascending one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets.

The rookie tight end continues to make the most of his opportunities — and his work off the field continues to pour onto it.

"Even after he had a couple good games early, he kept saying 'I have to keep going, Coach. I have to keep pushing,'" Harbaugh said about Gadsden. "That's been well coached into him and well parented into Oronde and it bodes well for the Chargers."

Gadsden's touchdown was one of the two that came courtesy of the rookies as Harris added one later in the game.

Facing a second-and goal from the six-yard line, Herbert extended a play with his legs and kept his eyes downfield as he navigated the pocket.

That's where the rookie receiver adjusted to it like a veteran, improvising his route to get open in the middle of the end zone.

And he said after the game there was only one thing going through his head when the ball was heading towards him.

"First off, catch it," Harris said with a laugh.

Harris did just that, hauling in his first NFL touchdown and getting mobbed by his teammates afterwards.

"Justin, he's so dynamic," Harris said. "He's able to move in and out of the pocket. He always keeps his eyes up. I just played, made sure I stayed in his vision and got open."

Harris later added: "It means a lot. Those guys, they saw early in the game, could've had a chance earlier. But they've been seeing it, the work I put in. We all put in a lot of work. We all get excited when somebody scores or whenever somebody has a big play. It's nothing new."

Although the receiving numbers haven't been jumping off the page, Harris has been arguably one of the most important members of the Chargers offense recently with what he's been able to bring as a blocker.

Harris was tied for the most snaps among Bolts receivers on the night and continues to make himself a big factor beyond the box score — and it was on display in primetime.

"I take a lot of pride in it," Harris said about his blocking. "That's how you get on the field and that's how you stay on the field. If that what's going to keep me on the field, that's what I'm going to do. I take a lot of pride in it and I work on it every day."

McConkey added: "It was awesome. Good to get that first one and now I hope it just springs open and there's many more to come. He's put in so much work to come in as a rookie with the roles he does in the run game, playing every position. A true testament to his hard work."

The immediate Vikings possession after Harris' score came to an end rather quickly, as Mickens secured his first career interception in the fourth quarter to almost put a bow on things.

With Minnesota trying to get things rolling after getting down three possessions, the Chargers sixth-round rookie was in the right spot to corral a high throw by quarterback Carson Wentz and quickly give the ball back to the Bolts.

As he ran to celebrate his first takeaway, the rookie put everything into perspective on what the moment meant to him.

"I was like, 'Dang, I just got a pick covering Justin Jefferson and Carson Wentz on Thursday Night Football,'" Mickens said. "I grew up watching those players through high school and college.

"Just to be on the same field as them and making plays against them is really special," Mickens added. "I'm thankful."

Mickens has been relied upon heavily in recent weeks and was even more important on Thursday night with Derwin James, Jr., leaving the game early with an ankle injury.

The comfort continues to grow for him, however, as the support from those around him have let him seize the opportunity.

"I've still been preparing the same way," Mickens said. "I've been preparing the same way and getting that boost of confidence and that trust. That your coaches trust you, the front office trusts you and your teammates believe in you, it was easy.

"Just making that transition was smooth with my teammates," Mickens added.

A year after the Chargers 2024 rookie class had a big hand in the season, the last couple of weeks have been shaping similarly as a number of rookies have had their name called and delivered in big ways.

Thursday night was yet another example of it, as the young players continue to show they're ready to contribute when needed.

"[It says] that we've been working," Gadsden said. "The coaching staff has done a great job developing us to be able to be pieces in the team that can help win games each and every week."

Harbaugh added: "They're getting their opportunity, they're capitalizing and making the most of it."