Ladd McConkey and the LA Chargers are on a heated quest to see the postseason again this year. Having to contend in one of the top three toughest divisions this season, they’ve struggled to hold the summit in the AFC West despite sitting at 5-3.
Injuries have begun to affect teams weeks ago already, and the Chargers are no different. This week, wideout McConkey is a notable name on the injury report that defenses and fans will be monitoring ahead of LA’s Week 9 matchup with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
Let’s take a deeper look at the sophomore’s injury status ahead of the weekend.
Will Ladd McConkey’s Calf Issue Keep Him Out This Week?
McConkey made his appearance on the injury report on Wednesday when he was reportedly limited in practice with a calf issue. The designation resulted in him being tagged as questionable for the weekend ahead of Thursday’s session, per NFL.com.
The injury concern is the first of its kind this year for the second-year wide receiver out of Georgia, and Thursday’s practice could determine his status for the weekend.
If healthy, McConkey will continue his run as a vocal point in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense, being one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s favorite targets. He seems to be on an upward trajectory this campaign. After starting the season struggling to record more than 50 receiving yards, things have picked up for him in recent weeks, having hit the 100-yard mark and consistently staying above 50 yards.
His calf points to some uncertainty and the possibility of more touches for other names on offense. Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has been slotting nicely back into the franchise since his return, featuring as another reliable weapon for Herbert.
Quentin Johnston has been a superstar at times, coming up big in certain games while having quiet outings in others, depending on how Harbaugh uses the deep threat.
With three of the four teams in the AFC West sitting with five or more wins, Coach Harbaugh would desperately want to maintain a healthy roster status across the board. The Denver Broncos lead the division at 6-2, while the Chargers scrap with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are also 5-3, for second place.
LA’s upcoming game versus the porous Titans should help them in their quest for the west. Tennessee is 1-7, and there’s little reason to believe that things will turn around soon, as the team is stuck on a 3-game losing streak heading into Week 9.
