![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) during the warm up before a NFL game at Corinthians Arena.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17182553/ladd-mcconkey-injury-update-09-17-25-1920x1349.jpg "Is Ladd McConkey Hurt? Breaking Down the Chargers WR’s Slow Start in Week 3 vs. Broncos")
The Los Angeles Chargers have gotten off to a fantastic start, earning two huge victories in the AFC West. The Chargers’ passing game behind Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen has been impressive, helping the Chargers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in their Friday night opener in Brazil and take down the Las Vegas Raiders 20-9 on Monday to start the season 2-0.
Although some fantasy football owners may disagree, McConkey has been a big part of that success. The second-year pass-catcher out of Georgia had six receptions on nine targets for 74 yards in the win over the Chiefs and caught all five of his targets for 48 yards in the victory against the Raiders.
McConkey has been bothered by a biceps injury, leaving his status for the Chargers’ Week 3 showdown with yet another divisional opponent — the Denver Broncos — in doubt as the team tries to improve to 3-0 and take an early lead in the AFC West.
What’s Ladd McConkey’s Status for the Chargers’ Week 3 Matchup With the Denver Broncos?
According to the Chargers’ official injury report, McConkey did not practice on Wednesday because of the injury.
Tight end Will Dissly (knee), DL Justin Eboigbe (foot), LB Daiyan Henley (illness), and DB Elijah Molden also were DNPs, while CB Cam Hart (hip) and CB Tarheeb Still (knee/shoulder) were limited.
Biceps injuries can be especially concerning for receivers, according to Jeff Mueller, a doctor of physical therapy and fantasy football analyst.
Biceps is an interesting isolated injury for a wide receiver.
Often not isolated though.
Hopefully there’s no impending “bad” news coming on Ladd McConkey. https://t.co/cdZuq7JYw8— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 17, 2025
That’s what I’m curious about.
Biceps > Labrum > Shoulder.Or it’s just a random bicep strain that won’t be an issue.
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 17, 2025
McConkey fully practiced on Thursday, and was also not listed on Friday’s injury report. It will be a big surprise if he doesn’t play in Week 3.
McConkey’s potential absence would be a major concern for fantasy owners and the Chargers alike, making this a situation worth monitoring for the rest of the week, or possibly deeper into the season if it’s related to his labrum or shoulder and not just a simple biceps strain.
McConkey Looking to Build Off Outstanding Rookie Season
McConkey entered the season with high expectations after a sensational rookie campaign in which he caught 82 passes on 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns.
He also had a huge performance in the Chargers’ 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, hauling in nine catches on 14 targets for 197 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown.
8 days till we get new Ladd McConkey highlights #Chargers pic.twitter.com/2wY8yythzg
— Omarion Hampton Muse (@HamptonMuse) August 28, 2025
McConkey will look to build on that rookie campaign when the Chargers and Broncos kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.
