There's "optimism" Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) will be able to play vs. the Steelers today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Herbert only got in a limited practice on Thursday this week as he battles what he said is a high-ankle sprain. ESPN's Adam Schefter hears that Herbert is "preparing to play" today but that a final decision won't come until pregame warmups. Schefter adds that the Chargers will likely have Herbert and QBs Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke active. We'll get Los Angeles' inactives around 11:30 am ET, but Herbert is not a recommended starter in any fantasy leagues this week.
Chargers WR Josh Palmer (calf, elbow) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Steelers. He didn’t practice all week, so he’s likely on the bad side of 50/50. Palmer’s absence would likely mean more snaps for WRs Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko, but neither is a fantasy option. WRs Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey could pick up extra targets.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston scored twice in Sunday’s game against Carolina. The second-year pro totaled 51 yards on 5 catches in a blowout win.
Chargers WR Josh Palmer (knee) is questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Panthers. He went from limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday to no practice on Friday. Even if he ends up playing on Sunday, try to avoid Palmer in fantasy lineups. His absence could send a few extra targets WR Ladd McConkey’s way.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (foot) was on the field for Monday's practice. The Athletic's Daniel Popper posted video of Herbert taking a couple of half-speed dropbacks and launching deep balls.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, the team announced. "Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot — followed by a graduated return to play protocol — with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season," the team said in a statement.
Thursday's starter vs. starter drills at Chargers camp found second-year WR Quentin Johnston working with the second team, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. The first-team trio: Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark, and Joshua Palmer.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic says he's concerned about the Chargers having enough talent at WR. That's not a surprising worry, given that the team shed Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, while adding only second-round pick Ladd McConkey and low-level free-agent D.J. Chark Jr. So who will lead the group? "Joshua Palmer is a complete receiver poised for a career season at the top of the depth chart," Popper wrote this week. That's most noteworthy because Palmer (WR53) sits well behind McConkey (WR42) in best ball ADP.
Chargers second-round rookie WR Ladd McConkey is reportedly meshing well with QB Justin Herbert in team workouts so far. Daniel Popper of The Athletic says McConkey has played "mostly in the slot." That probably lines up with most fans' expectations but doesn't align with his college usage. McConkey spent just 29.6% of his pass snaps in the slot across three seasons at Georgia, decreasing that rate each year.
The Chargers and WR D.J. Chark agreed to a one-year deal worth “up to” $5 million," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark went for 1,008 yards back in 2019 but hasn't really been fantasy relevant since. He's missed 39 games over the last four seasons and averaged 48.6 yards per game. Chark finished a distant second to WR Adam Thielen with 525 receiving yards on a bad Panthers passing game last year. His 1.08 yards per route ranked 75th among 93 qualifying WRs. Chark isn't a guy you should be excited to bet on, although this is a solid landing spot with QB Justin Herbert and a wide-open WR corps. Chark, Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, and Quentin Johnston will duke it out for snaps this summer.
The Chargers traded up in Round 2 of the NFL Draft to select Georgia WR Ladd McConkey 34th overall. McConkey’s raw college production doesn’t jump off the page. He never reached 60 catches or 800 yards in a season. But he played in a run-leaning Georgia offense and had to battle TE Brock Bowers (among others) for targets. McConkey was super efficient, leaving school with career 75.3% catch rate and 2.54 yards per route. His career-best 3.26 yards per route last year ranked eighth among 409 WRs with 35+ targets. McConkey is devastatingly quick and a polished route runner, making him one of the best separators in this WR class. And he’s a weapon after the catch, with a career 0.25 missed tackles forced per catch – a better rate than guys like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze. McConkey boosted his stock at the Combine with a 4.39-second 40 time and 9.34 Relative Athletic Score. The 6’0, 186-pounder can play both outside and in the slot. He might not big a big-play producer or high-TD-rate receiver at the next level, but McConkey has the potential to rack up a bunch of receptions. Going to the Chargers presents immediate opportunity. The WR corps shed Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason, leaving Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston as the top returning players. The landing spot helps McConkey's fantasy outlook. Check out our rookie rankings to see where he lands.
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