The Los Angeles Chargers boosted their playoff hopes on Sunday with a convincing win over the Atlanta Falcons. However, new concerns arose after the match. And it involves star rookie Ladd McConkey.
The wide receiver left to win late due to a knee injury. Harbaugh released a worrying update on Mondayaccording to ESPN Chargers reporter Khris Rhim.
“Jim Harbaugh said Ladd McConkey (knee) is ‘working on a few things’ and the team will evaluate where he is as the week progresses,” Rhim shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Then came a major question regarding the artist’s health in small groups.
“When asked if there was a possibility that McConkey would practice this week, Harbaugh said, ‘We’ll see,'” Rhim revealed.
McConkey visibly limped after that fourth-quarter catch against the NFC South leaders.
McConkey looked stellar before the illness. The second-round selection from Georgia had nine receptions and 117 yards.
The Chargers will have a big showdown next with or without Ladd McConkey
McConkey’s play became the talk of Bolts fans, as well as members of the Los Angeles media who cover the Chargers. McConkey had his second 100-yard outing last Sunday. He leads Los Angeles in catches with 58, then in yards with 815.
But this injury update comes before a major showdown for the Bolts. One that carries huge playoff and even divisional implications.
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The rival Kansas City Chiefs are next on deck. Arrowhead Stadium is bound to get loud and angry for this season-ending AFC West showdown. NBC Sports even picked up the game, making Chargers-Chiefs the Sunday Night Football game.
McConkey has helped the Chargers get to a much better position than they were a year ago. The Bolts improved their win total to three wins after their dreadful 5-12 finish in 2023. Plus, McConkey and Harbaugh are making the playoffs think of Los Angeles.
Kansas City has already sealed its playoff spot at 11-1. A Chiefs victory wraps up the AFC West crown for back-to-back champions. But an upset of the Chargers keeps Los Angeles alive in the race for the playoffs and the division title.
The new Bolts will try to end a six-game losing streak against KC. Los Angeles hasn’t beaten the Chiefs since September 26, 2021. Justin Herbert threw four touchdowns and helped Los Angeles outscore the Chiefs 16-7 in Game 4. win 30-24.
But now Harbaugh may have to rely heavily on Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer and tight end Will Dissly if McConkey can’t go. Dissly himself had to overcome his own injury before the Falcons game. McConkey faces missing his first career NFL game due to his knee ailment.
