Is Ladd McConkey playing tonight? Latest updates for Chargers' rookie WR

Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has emerged as a reliable safety outlet for Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers. McConkey has established himself as one of the best rookie wideouts in the league and without him, the Chargers' 2024 season would be much different.

The Chargers may have to see what life is like without McConkey for the first time this season in Week 12. McConkey is officially listed as questionable for the "Harbaugh Bowl" on Monday Night Football after suffering a shoudler injury in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

McConkey was listed as a DNP in Thursday's practice estimation (the Chargers did not practice) and was officially a limited participant on both Friday and Saturday. This has put his Week 12 status up in the air.

Is Ladd McConkey playing vs. Ravens?

UPDATE: Ladd McConkey is ACTIVE and is playing against the Ravens on Monday Night Football.

Based on how the Chargers have operated this season there likely will not be an answer to this question until the inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff. However, there are some context clues that hint as McConkey's status for Week 12.

The Chargers have been very cautious in practice this season and have kept information very close to the vest. McConkey being a DNP on a day where the team did not practice, and then being limited in the following days, may not actually have an impact on his Week 12 status.

The fact of the matter is McConkey returned and hauled in the two biggest catches after suffering the shoulder injury against the Bengals. Barring some last-minute setback, it is hard to imagine McConkey sitting out eight days after he toughed out the initial injury.

Nothing is concrete, but based on what we know about the Chargers, it is safe to assume he is playing against the Ravens on Monday Night Football.

Chargers wide receiver depth chart:

Fantasy football owners may be curious about the Chargers' depth chart just in case McConkey isn't able to suit up. If you want to be extra cautious (which may not be needed), the rest of the WR depth chart looks as followed:

There is not a concrete Chargers' wide receiver depth chart as every guy on the roster has a different role. The Bolts have taken a "feed the hot hand" approach and for most of this season, McConkey has been the hot hand.

Quentin Johnston is undoubtedly the best replacement option for McConkey on fantasy football as he has been a touchdown machine. However, if he is unavailable, fantasy football players may need to take a chance on Joshua Palmer.

Palmer has been unimpressive this season but he does have fantasy value if McConkey can't go. The Ravens rank dead last in passing yards allowed per game and Palmer would be targeted out of pure necessity. DJ Chark Jr. may seem like an intriguing option, but I would stay away until he proves something.

If neither Johnston nor Palmer is available, and McConkey is in your flex, then it might be worth taking a chance on tight end Will Dissly. Dissly ranks second in passing targets and fourth in receiving yards among all Chargers players this season.

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