Justin Herbert and the Chargers are heading into their AFC West matchup with the Raiders carrying more than the sting of a season-opening loss. They may also be without one of Herbert’s most reliable targets.
Ladd McConkey, who caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, did not practice Thursday because of a rib injury. It was his second straight missed practice this week, and that leaves his status for Sunday in real doubt.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McConkey was considered day-to-day and that the Chargers would keep evaluating him during the week before making a call on his availability. Harbaugh had already labeled McConkey day-to-day after the injury.
For the second straight day, Chargers WR Ladd McConkey did not practice due to his rib injury, making it unlikely he will be available for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/m4iw9QeHc5
- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2026
McConkey’s exit against Arizona mattered. Herbert finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, but the offense never really found a rhythm after the Cardinals grabbed control. Losing McConkey in the middle of that game only made the comeback attempt tougher.
Now the Chargers have to sort out the passing game without knowing whether McConkey will be on the field. Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris could see bigger workloads if he sits, and Los Angeles has also brought veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling onto the practice squad as injuries pile up at receiver.
The larger issue is that the Chargers need cleaner execution across the board. They scored just 14 points in the opener, and Herbert’s touchdown wasn’t enough to keep pace with Arizona once the game tilted away from them.
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