Chargers ‘Something Minor’ Injury Stokes Familiar Durability Questions At Critical Position

Got That Big Kick Energy?

McConkey was nothing short of a revelation as a rookie. He caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns across 16 games. He also shouldered the bulk of the offensive load in the Chargers’ playoff loss to Houston, cementing himself as Justin Herbert’s go-to target.

“He was a guy I actually feel like we didn’t give enough credit during the season for how good he was,” said ESPN’s Mina Kimes. “He was fourth in yards per route run versus man coverage. Then I went back and watched some of his reps and he was like killing dudes over the middle of the field.”

A True WR1—But Can He Stay On the Field?

Kimes isn’t the only one bullish on McConkey’s ceiling. “I think he is a true three-level threat,” she added. “He’s a true [WR1] in my opinion, the offense can flow through him. The sky is the limit for Ladd McConkey.”

Still, the concern is how much of that potential can be realized over 17 games. Wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal put it bluntly: “We don’t want him to get crushed. Ladd’s a competitor; he’s going to try and catch the ball, and if it’s three people there, he is going to try and run through all of them. But this is the NFL, you will get hurt.”

That mindset—while admirable—may need to be recalibrated as McConkey evolves from standout rookie to foundational piece.

Chargers Must Do Their Part

While McConkey is working on protecting himself—he’s even reportedly studying how to “take a fall”—the Chargers have a responsibility too. The offense can’t be as reliant on one receiver as it was in 2024.

The front office did invest this offseason. The Chargers rebuilt the offensive line, brought in Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton in the backfield, and re-signed Mike Williams before drafting Tre Harris in the second round. But questions still linger: With Williams now retired, is Harris or Quentin Johnston ready? Is there enough to prevent defenses from keying solely on McConkey?

Harbaugh Won’t Rush It

Harbaugh made it clear this week that none of the starters, including McConkey, will play in Thursday’s preseason opener. “The players obviously feel that they’re not hurt, where they can play and post, which is great,” Harbaugh said. “But the line of, are you still hurting the team, hurting yourself, that’s the thing that the organization, the training staff, we’ve got to make that decision.”

The Chargers’ top priority is ensuring McConkey is fully healthy for September. If that means missing reps in July and August, so be it.