Things are looking increasingly dire for the Los Angeles Chargers following their disappointing 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
In that game, wide receiver Ladd McConkey suffered a chest injury, which prevented him from returning for the remainder of the match.
On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that according to Jim Harbaugh, McConkey is considered day-to-day due to a rib injury.
“The Chargers want to see how McConkey feels this week before deciding on his status for Sunday,” Schefter noted in a post.
I also heard from Ian Rapoport over at NFL Network that McConkey is undergoing tests today and might not be available for their upcoming Week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
McConkey’s potential absence is especially concerning given that the Chargers’ offense, which many expected to improve significantly this season with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, really struggled to deliver.
Much of the offense faltered due to a shaky performance from the offensive line. They seemed out of sync and allowed critical sacks during key moments of the game.
Running back Omarion Hampton led the team’s running game with 12 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown, but overall the Chargers managed only 81 rushing yards.
Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards, with one touchdown and an interception that came late in the fourth quarter.
McConkey, who has been the Chargers’ leading receiver for the last two seasons, caught 5 passes from Herbert for 82 yards and a touchdown.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky mentioned on Monday that Herbert seemed to lock onto his receivers often, which might have impacted his gameplay. He said, “He’s focusing too much on one guy instead of going through his reads.” This can happen in McDaniel’s system.
Harbaugh acknowledged the team’s mistakes during a press conference, expressing regret about not playing starters more in the preseason.
