The Chargers found themselves a good Ladd in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, they’ll need him for Sunday.
Ladd McConkey is making the Chargers front office look like geniuses for investing the No. 34 overall pick on him last spring, as the receiver is enjoying plenty of success in his rookie season. However, the receiver has been no stranger to picking up some bumps and bruises along the way, which now threaten his Week 14 status.
With the practice week in the books and kickoff fast approaching, it’s a wonder whether the former Georgia Bulldog will be able to suit up for the AFC West division clash.
Here is the latest on McConkey ahead of ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 14.
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Ladd McConkey injury update
McConkey finds himself listed as questionable ahead of the Chargers’ Week 14 matchup against the Chiefs. The rookie receiver was a limited participant at practice all week, dealing with knee and shoulder injuries.
He has yet to miss a game this season, typically playing through whatever is ailing him that week.
Considering the receiver’s toughness, it would be hard to imagine McConkey sitting out in what is a big game for the Chargers. His practice week also lends itself to him being closer to probable than doubtful.
While the team will likely make the final determination, McConkey appears optimistic about his ability to play.
‘Shoot, if I can play, I’m gonna play,’ he said Thursday, via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. ‘At the end of the day, I’m gonna do whatever I need to do to get out there.’
Not only would McConkey be hard to replace, the Chargers offense would take a massive hit without their budding star.
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Chargers WR depth chart
If McConkey can’t play on Sunday night, here’s what the Chargers would be working with at wide receiver:
Quentin Johnston
Joshua Palmer
Jalen Reagor
Derius Davis
D.J. Chark Jr.
While there are plenty of bodies that can replace McConkey for the Chargers, none of them can replicate the rookie’s impact. Wide receiver remains a major weakness on L.A.’s roster, something that will surely be addressed in the offseason.
Johnston and Palmer figure to slot in as the top-two pass-catchers alongside tight end Will Dissly. Reagor, Davis and Chark would likely be deployed in a committee approach to filling the WR3 role.
Ladd McConkey stats
McConkey has broken out over the last six weeks, finishing with at least 100 receiving yards in three of those outings. In 12 games, the rookie has caught 58-of-81 targets for 815 yards and four touchdowns. His 67.9 yards per game average ranks 19th in the league and third amongst rookies, while the 815 receiving yards is good enough for 13th-most and second for rookie pass-catchers behind the Raiders’ Brock Bowers.