Chargers News: Ladd McConkey Day-to-Day With Rib Injury, Week 2 Status in Question
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is dealing with a rib injury and is considered day-to-day, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Monday. The Chargers say they want to see how McConkey feels this week before determining his availability for Sunday’s Week 2 divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The injury looked considerably more serious in the moment. McConkey was attempting a leaping grab on an in-breaking route over the middle of the field in the third quarter when linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. delivered a hard hit to his chest. McConkey stayed on the ground in apparent significant pain before eventually walking off under his own power and heading to the medical tent for further evaluation. He did not return. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that McConkey would undergo tests Monday morning to determine the full extent of the injury. “We will see how long he is going to be out, if at all,” Rapoport said. “Would obviously be a loss for the Los Angeles Chargers.” Once those results came back, McConkey’s status settled into the day-to-day, rib-injury designation.
McConkey’s availability for Week 2 will likely come down to how much he’s able to do in practice, so fantasy managers will want to track his participation closely from Wednesday through Friday. Even good news on his testing this week wouldn’t guarantee he’s cleared to suit up against the Raiders.
Before the injury, McConkey was putting together exactly the kind of performance the Chargers hoped to see under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. He caught 5 of his targets for a team-high 82 yards and his first touchdown of the year in Sunday’s 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, an outcome that stunned a Chargers team that entered as 8.5-point home favorites. McConkey looked primed for a real step forward in 2026 in McDaniel’s scheme before the hit changed the trajectory of his afternoon.
Fantasy Impact
The Chargers’ offense fell apart with McConkey going down, and if he can’t go this weekend, Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris would be next in line to serve as quarterback Justin Herbert’s top wideout options; they were the only other Chargers receivers to catch a pass in the Week 1 loss. After a really bad week one performance at home against the Cardinals, look for the team to bounce back.
