Ladd McConkey injury update: Latest on Chargers WR's status for Sunday clash vs Chiefs

Ladd McConkey is posting a solid 2024 NFL season, becoming an important piece for the LA Chargers under Jim Harbaugh. The former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver is coming off a nine-reception, 117-yard performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Still, injuries haven't stopped bothering him, which could prevent him from facing the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) on Sunday night.

McConkey is reportedly dealing with an AC joint and a knee sprain. The shoulder injury has been ongoing for the rookie, while the knee issue occurred during Sunday's duel against the Atlanta Falcons, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday.

Ladd McConkey injury report ahead of Chiefs game

While he battles multiple injuries before a crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), Ladd McConkey was listed as limited on the week's first injury report. The Chargers (8-4) have found a gem in this rookie receiver, but the difference between him and the rest of the team is bigger than necessary.

Despite dealing with these injuries on Sunday, McConkey put on one of the best performances of his budding career. His 117 receiving yards surpassed the rest of the team (33 yards) and his nine receptions were more than the rest collected combined. This is a serious injury for the Chargers and they need to involve more players in the offense, or the Chiefs's defense will have an easy day.

On Monday, Jim Harbaugh revealed that Ladd McConkey tried to play until he couldn't, which prompted his exit from this duel in the second half.

“Physically. He went until he couldn’t go anymore,” Harbaugh explained, per Bolt Beat. “That’s what caused the dip in productivity.”

The game week started on Wednesday and McConkey still has chances to play. If he can progress during the week, there wouldn't be a doubt that he will play against the Kansas City Chiefs. Otherwise, Jim Harbaugh will have a rough time trying to get something positive from the rest of the receivers.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports that the LA Chargers's passing success rate when targeting Ladd McConkey is 53.1 percent, while the race for other players is 41.6 percent. When they target McConkey, they average 0.55 expected points added (EPA) per attempt, while the number decreases to 0.08 when they try to get the ball to any other player.

This is an issue they must address, especially if McConkey isn't fit for Sunday's game.