Chargers WR Ladd McConkey day-to-day with rib injury

ByKris Rhim ESPN logo
Monday, September 14, 2026 10:40PM

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a rib injury and is considered day-to-day.

McConkey was perhaps the lone bright spot on an ugly day for the Chargers' offense in Sunday's 26-14 loss to theArizona Cardinals. He had five catches for 82 yards and looked like he could have done much more. But in the third quarter, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. delivered a big hit as McConkey attempted to make a leaping grab on an in-breaking route in the middle of the field.

McConkey lay on the ground in apparent significant pain before exiting. He didn't return.

"Ladd's a really good football player," quarterback Justin Herbert said after the game. "We're really glad to have him, and he made a ton of plays today, so I'm hoping he feels better."

The Chargers trailed by only two points when McConkey left the game, but the offense spiraled and failed to score after his exit. The four remaining drives were riddled with penalties, and Herbert was sacked two times for a total of three on the day.

Harbaugh also said that safety Elijah Molden (hamstring) and wide receiver Derius Davis (undisclosed) are day-to-day. He added that wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith has a hamstring injury and will miss some time.

With three receivers potentially set to miss time, this could be an opportunity for fourth-round rookie Brenen Thompson, who had a standout training camp. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel begged general manager Joe Hortiz to select Thompson, telling Hortiz on draft night he'd take his shirt off if the Chargers got him. Thompson was the fastest receiver at the NFL scouting combine with a 4.26 40-yard dash and led the SEC in receiving yards (1,054) at Mississippi State last season.

Thompson played just 10 offense snaps Sunday. He wasn't targeted.

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