There is no greater beginning to the 2025 season for the Los Angeles Chargers. With victories over the Chiefs and Raiders already under their belt, this club appears to have what it takes to contend in the AFC West at 2-0.
Justin Herbert is leading with confidence, the defense is showing grit, and the locker room feels united even after some unexpected offseason changes, like Mike Williams’ retirement and the reunion with veteran wideout Keenan Allen.
Ladd McConkey’s Injury: Is He Good To Go for Sunday?
But as any Chargers fan knows, injuries are always part of the story. This week, all eyes were on second-year receiver Ladd McConkey after he popped up on the injury report with a biceps issue.
For a player expected to be a breakout star in 2025, the news sparked some worry about whether he’d suit up in Sunday’s divisional showdown with the Denver Broncos.
The good news? McConkey is set to play. He sat out Wednesday’s practice, but he was back on the field Thursday and Friday as a full participant. By Friday, September 19, the Chargers had officially taken him off the injury report, signaling he’s good to go.
What looked like a scare turned out to be more of a precaution than a serious setback.
That’s fortunate since McConkey has rapidly established himself as one of Herbert’s most reliable targets.
With 11 catches for 122 yards in just two games this season, he has already demonstrated the nimble route running and dependable hands that made him so exceptional at Georgia. His promise was shown to fans last season, and this year, he is expected to do more.
Expectation for McConkey and Chargers for 2025 Season
Still, durability has been the one cloud hanging over him. As a rookie, McConkey dealt with a handful of minor injuries — hip, shoulder, and knee issues — which forced him in and out of practices.
While none were career-altering, they raised fair questions about whether he could hold up over a long NFL season. Chargers fans just want him on the field because when he’s there, he makes the offense that much more dangerous.
The Chargers have a chance to go 3-0 overall and 3-0 in the division, so this week’s game against the Broncos represents more than simply another test. A start like that would make it clear to the rest of the AFC that this club is real. With McConkey good to go, it’s an opportunity to take control.
For now, the biceps injury looks like just a bump in the road. McConkey is active, ready, and eager to help the Chargers keep pushing toward what could be a special season.
Should You Start or Sit Ladd McConkey in Week 3?
Ladd McConkey probably needs to play more than 18 games as a professional before I toss around the word “inevitable”, but it certainly feels that way.
For his career, all he’s done is haul in 88-of-121 targets and offer weekly consistency at a level well beyond his years. After catching all five of his targets on Monday night, he’s up to nine straight games with at least five receptions, and that’s good for the three longest active streak in the league.
To open the game, Justin Herbert completed 5-of-10 passes. He was 3-of-3 when throwing to his WR1 and 2-of-7 when making the poor decision of looking elsewhere.
The graceful aging of Keenan Allen and the spike plays of Quentin Johnston would have scared me in 2024, but with Jim Harbaugh opening up this offense, I’m not the least bit concerned.
McConkey is going to be a top 20 receiver for me every week, and this week is no different despite a tough matchup on paper.
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