Following an earlier report about WR Ladd McConkey’s status being “in doubt” for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, it seems as though the LA Chargers’ Wednesday injury report has provided some reasons for optimism.
At Wednesday’s media availability, Harbaugh said he believed McConkey, Cam Hart, and Denzel Perryman would practice in some capacity. Notably, Harbaugh also said the team was opening the 21-day practice window to activate LB Junior Colson from IR. However, WR Simi Fehoko is unlikely to get his practice window opened this week.
Colson, per the league’s transactions wire, did indeed have his 21-day practice window opened in an official designation for return. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday as he returns from his ankle injury.
As for the final practice report, McConkey, Hart, and Perryman did all end up practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday. It’s positive news for both the stud rookie receiver’s chances to play as well as the returns to the lineup for Perryman and Hart.
wednesday’s #LACvsKC injury report pic.twitter.com/w1lc2lQk7r
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 4, 2024
First Chargers injury report provides hope vs. Chiefs
Initially, EDGE Khalil Mack, K Cameron Dicker, and LB Daiyan Henley were not spotted at practice by The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. Mack was given his usual rest designation for Wednesday’s practice in the final report. Henley meanwhile registered a DNP with a reported knee injury. At least on this initial report, there is no sign of a Cameron Dicker injury.
A few other Chargers players logged limited practices including EDGE Bud Dupree (heel), S Tony Jefferson (hamstring), and S Elijah Malden (back).
The most concerning name on the injury report is probably Henley registering a DNP early in the practice week. However, the second-year linebacker also did not practice last Friday before he was active on game day vs. Atlanta. For now, it sounds precautionary.
Getting two top defensive starters back in Perryman and Hart would be huge entering Sunday’s Chiefs game. The team's run defense has certainly missed the presence of Perryman in the last two weeks vs. Baltimore and Atlanta.
McConkey registering a limited practice is obviously a positive sign as he deals with separate knee and shoulder sprains. It may not guarantee anything for Sunday, but it’s a step in the right direction. Considering the state of LA’s offense, the Chargers will need him to suit up if they want any chance to stop the Chiefs from clinching yet another AFC West title.
All in all, Wednesday was a good start to the practice week for the Chargers before heading to Kansas City for Sunday Night Football.