Chargers mandatory minicamp began on Tuesday as the team's full roster was together once again. One of the players who has some focus and intrigue around him in OC Mike McDaniel's new offense is WR Ladd McConkey. Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said on Tuesday that he expects McConkey to potentially have the best year of his career.
But in a story that went a bit under the radar, McConkey missed a number of OTAs practices that were available to the media. It raised concerns for a potential offseason injury or surgery. The Georgia product was on the field for some practices, but never participated in team drills.
Chargers WR Ladd McConkey might be sitting out practices until training camp in July.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh was asked about McConkey's practice status on Tuesday. In his usual coy fashion, Harbaugh just said that McConkey was "working through something" and that he would participate in individual drills.
After practice, McConkey spoke to the media and provided a little bit more clarity on his injury. While Harbaugh wouldn't give details on the injury, LA's third-year wideout provided insight on what exactly was going on. Earlier this spring, McConkey suffered a hamstring strain while training. While Chargers doctors were not concerned about the injury long term, they advised him to not push it physically prior to training camp. "Let's get it healthy and ready to roll for then," McConkey said. It was clarified in his comments that it was specifically an injury to his left hamstring.
A reported asked a follow-up question on if McConkey expects to be cleared for training camp. "Absolutely," McConkey responded.
With the nature of hamstring injuries and reaggravation, it makes sense for the Chargers to be cautious with McConkey at this stage of the offseason. He has fought through ankle and shoulder injuries in the context of the regular season before, but mandatory minicamp is obviously not the same environment. Considering McConkey is still physically at practice and confident enough to do some degree of individual drills, it's clear the Chargers do not expect this to bleed over into training camp.
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt should officially be cleared for training camp based on what we've heard to this point. Assuming McConkey joins them for full activities in July after his hamstring heals, the Chargers should be just fine offensively. Imagining what a true 4.3 slot receiver can do in McDaniel's offense is tantalizing to say the least.
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