The LA Chargers were forced to take on the Kansas City Chiefs last week without the team's top weapon, Ladd McConkey. Even without McConkey, who is battling a shoulder and knee injury, the Chargers were able to take the Chiefs to their limit (albeit with a slow offensive first half).
McConkey finds himself in a familiar place heading into Week 15 as he was officially listed as questionable on the final Chargers injury report of the week. This is the same designation he had leading into Week 14 as well.
The Chargers are looking to get back on the right track with the team's ninth win of the season while certain fantasy football players might be dependent on McConkey in what is the first playoff week of the fantasy season. Whether you are a Chargers fan or a fantasy football player, we have you covered.
Latest injury updates on Ladd McConkey ahead of Buccaneers-Chargers:
UPDATE: Ladd McConkey is active and will play in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Chargers fans received a promising update late on Saturday night about McConkey's status. While nothing is official, the stars appear to be aligning for the rookie wideout to suit up against Tampa Bay.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Chargers will work McConkey out prepare to see if he is good to suit up in the game. Per Rapoport, the Chargers are "optimistic" McConkey can suit up with a "real shot" of him playing against the Bucs.
This tracks with McConkey's recovery timeline and is the most likely outcome. McConkey was a game-time decision last week , so it is not like he is coming back from a detrimental injury that kept him on the shelf entirely.
Plus, McConkey did not miss a single practice leading into Week 15. The rookie wideout was a limited participant in every practice but the fact he was able to practice each day is a good sign for him.
With Justin Herbert off the injury report and the Bucs having one of the worst pass defenses in the sport, there is real potential for McConkey to have a big game not just for the Bolts, but for fantasy football owners as well. Last time we saw McConkey he put up over 100 yards in the first half before hurting his knee in the second half.
If there is a last-minute setback and McConkey cannot go then fantasy football players should first turn to Quentin Johnston and then Joshua Palmer as potential replacements. Johnston has more endzone potential and has more upside for those in a pickle in the late slate.
But with how things are tracking, that may not even be a decision that has to be made.