The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos, 23-16, on Sunday afternoon. However, their top two wide receivers, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, briefly exited the game due to injuries. What happened to McConkey, and what is the latest on his status?
The Latest on Ladd McConkey’s Week 6 Injury
McConkey got tangled up with Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II on the Chargers’ first offensive play of the game.
Both McConkey and Surtain were evaluated for concussions after the play. While Surtain was ruled out for the remainder of today’s matchup, McConkey passed his concussion screening and returned late in the first quarter.
Now Ladd McConkey is being pulled off the field, likely for concussion screening after this contact to the helmet. https://t.co/BIfAUFznIj pic.twitter.com/NgZ9fyhbov
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 13, 2024
However, McConkey went back into the medical tent near the two-minute warning at the end of the first half. Fortunately, he was able to return once again.
McConkey finished the game, and he played 49 of 78 snaps and received seven targets.
Will McConkey be available for Week 7? His game status is still up in the air. McConkey was limited practice participant on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and is considered questionable for Monday night’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Fantasy Implications of McConkey’s Injury
McConkey, the No. 34 overall pick in April’s 2024 NFL Draft, posted 15 receptions on 24 targets for 176 yards and two touchdowns through Los Angeles’ first four games. He leads the Chargers in targets, catches, and receiving yards.
The Chargers are lucky that McConkey is okay, as they are already down DJ Chark, while Johnston and tight end Hayden Hurst have both had to go back to the locker room at times during Sunday’s contest.
If McConkey or Johnston have to miss time, Joshua Palmer would step into a larger role, particularly as a field-stretching option.
But from a fantasy standpoint, McConkey is the only viable fantasy pass catcher on the Chargers.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Jason Katz