Ladd McConkey has been one of the most productive rookie receivers this season, emerging as the clear top target for the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, multiple injuries caused McConkey to miss his first game last week vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Will Justin Herbert have his top target back for Week 15?
What Is Ladd McConkey’s Injury?
A more appropriate header would be “What Are Ladd McConkey’s Injuries?” as the rookie receiver is dealing with multiple ailments.
McConkey initially suffered a shoulder injury during Los Angeles’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football in Week 11. The rookie wideout eventually returned to the game and hauled in six receptions for 123 receiving yards.
The 23-year-old wide receiver played through the shoulder injury for two weeks before suffering a knee injury against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. Despite suffering a knee injury, McConkey had nine receptions for 117 receiving yards against the Falcons.
Will McConkey Play in Week 15?
McConkey has been present at every practice the last two weeks, logging a limited practice in each session. Just like last week, he once again was limited all three days, drawing a questionable tag.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
McConkey was considered a true game-time decision ahead of the Chiefs game and was ultimately declared inactive 90 minutes before kickoff. Reports have been a little more positive this week, with ESPN’s Kris Rhim noting that he participated in drills this week, an upgrade from last week.
He’s probably still truly questionable, as the Chargers will want to preserve the health of their top receiver with a Wild Card spot looking likely. However, given how close McConkey was last week, it seems reasonable to expect he could play this week.
Fantasy Impact of McConkey’s Week 15 Status
Analysis courtesy PFN’s Kyle Soppe
McConkey was a true game-time decision, which has me putting him on the positive side of questionable as we turn the page to Week 14. The Bolts have lost two of three games after their 7-3 start, but their standing as a Wild Card team isn’t in much danger, so you’ll need to monitor this situation.
There is the possibility that L.A. rests its clear-cut top offensive playmaker. But if McConkey plays, you play him. He’s proven the ability to win routes in a hurry, and that is the type of skill set that can beat a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that creates pressure at the fourth-highest rate when blitzing.
Case in point: Tampa Bay allows the second-most yards per slot target. McConkey is a must-start option at this point in the season and could be the top fantasy WR from the 2024 NFL Draft class in 2025 redrafts.
