Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey’s stellar performance against the Falcons (9 catches, 117 yards) was marred by a late-game knee injury. Coach Jim Harbaugh offered a cryptic update on Monday, stating McConkey is “working through a couple [of] things” with his availability for practice this week shrouded in uncertainty (per Kris Rhim, ESPN.com).
McConkey Injured In Chargers Vs. Falcons
This isn’t McConkey’s first time dealing with injury this season. McConkey suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of Sunday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He first cropped up on the report after injuring his hip early on against the Denver Broncos in Week 6. He was limited and missed some practice for the next three weeks — not returning to full action until just before the Cleveland Browns game in Week 9, although he did play a full snap load in those games.
The severity of this injury remains a mystery. But as Jason Reed of Bolt Beat points out, “Harbaugh has used the phrase “working through” several times this season and it typically is not good news. Both Joey Bosa and J.K. Dobbins were “working through something” before missing time.”
While McConkey’s absence would be a significant blow to the offense, the Chargers possess depth at the receiver position, but only tight end Will Dissly has provided a consistent option for Herbert. McConkey’s 58 catches are 10 more than Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer have combined. He also has more yards than those two combined and has accounted for 34 percent of the team’s receiving first downs.
McConkey’s status for the crucial AFC West matchup against the Chiefs next Sunday is officially “questionable,” leaving fantasy football managers and Chargers fans alike anxiously awaiting further developments.
The Chargers are already down their top running back. JK Dobbins was moved to the injured reserve after suffering a sprained MCL last week. Their offense struggled against a mediocre Falcons defense — throwing for 147 yards and rushing for just 56 yards.
