Ladd McConkey has been the most productive rookie receiver in the NFL this season and he continued his strong campaign on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. McConkey accounted for over 60% of the LA Chargers' total offense in the 17-13 win, finishing with 117 yards on nine receptions.
Most of McConkey's production came in the first half as Atlanta dominated the time of possession in the second half. McConkey also did not see the field in the final Chargers' drive of the season as he injured his knee late in the contest.
The second-round pick out of Georgia was already dealing with a shoulder injury heading into the game and his knee injury only complicates things. Neither McConkey or his head coach offered much of a reprieve after the game, either, as Chargers fans will have to wait until Monday for an update.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh on Ladd McConkey's knee injury: "We'll see."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 1, 2024
When asked about the knee injury, McConkey told reporters he would, "figure out the extent of it tomorrow."
A serious Ladd McConkey injury would be detrimental to the Chargers
McConkey isn't just the No. 1 passing option on the Chargers. He has quickly become Justin Herbert's safety outlet and is the only weapon in the passing game who can consistently create separation with his route running.
The Chargers are already struggling enough to move the ball on offense and having to play without McConkey would compound that issue tenfold. Los Angeles simply won't be able to keep up with Kansas City next week if McConkey is not good to go.
Greg Roman's offense is already sputtering without J.K. Dobbins in the lineup and without McConkey, the offense will fully break down. Dobbins and McConkey are the two most important offensive players not at quarterback and without them, Herbert would essentially be throwing to a practice squad unit.
As bad as the offense may be without McConkey, though, the Chargers have to keep the bigger picture in mind. With an 8-4 record and a 93% chance of making the playoffs, it is not worth risking further injury to McConkey to maybe win a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers need McConkey to be fresh for the playoffs if the team wants any chance of advancing out of the AFC Wild Card Round. If that means resting McConkey for a week or two then so be it. It is the smart thing to do.
That does not make the product on the field any better, though. If the Chargers do take a cautious route with McConkey then fans must brace for an ugly football game on primetime against the Chiefs.