Chargers may unleash speedy new WR with Ladd McConkey questionable

Los Angeles Chargers receiver Brenen Thompson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Chargers may unleash speedy new WR with Ladd McConkey questionable

By Chris Pownall | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 8:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers could be forced to dig a little deeper into their wide receiver room Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. That could mean a bigger opportunity for rookie Brenen Thompson and his ridiculous speed.

Ladd McConkey is questionable, while KeAndre Lambert-Smith is already on injured reserve. During his Friday news conference, head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked whether those injuries could lead to more Thompson.

“Yeah, I think you will,” Harbaugh said.

Brenen Thompson could get his chance

Speed is the first thing that jumps off the page with Thompson.

He ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash, a number that even led Harbaugh to joke about his own playing days. Harbaugh said he could fathom running a 4.62, but “not a 4.26.”

Of course, NFL rosters are full of guys who can run. Harbaugh seems more interested in everything Thompson does before that speed takes over.

He praised the rookie's football knowledge, focus and ability to quickly understand his assignment once the play begins.

“The way he's able to focus, the way his mind is able to sequence what he's supposed to do when he's supposed to do it and do it fast,” Harbaugh said.

That's what could get Thompson on the field Sunday.

Harbaugh called the matchup a “great opportunity” for him, and the Chargers suddenly have snaps available for somebody to grab.

Chargers need someone to step up

McConkey's status creates an obvious question for an offense trying to get going after its Week 1 loss.

The Chargers don't need Thompson to suddenly become their No. 1 receiver. They need another player capable of making the Raiders account for him.

Thompson's speed gives them that possibility.

Even a handful of snaps could force Las Vegas to respect him vertically. Get him the ball in space and that 4.26 speed becomes something the Raiders have to deal with instead of just an impressive number from a workout.

Derius Davis could also see an opportunity. When his name came up during Friday's news conference, Harbaugh responded with the same enthusiasm.

“Great opportunity for DD too,” Harbaugh said.

Los Angeles may have to piece things together at receiver depending on McConkey's availability. That isn't what the Chargers would have drawn up heading into an AFC West game, but it could provide Thompson with the opening he has been waiting for.

If McConkey can't go, one of the fastest players on the roster could be getting a much longer look against Las Vegas.

Chris Pownall

Chris Pownall is a Contributor to Yardbarker covering all major sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, college athletics, and the biggest storylines shaping the sports world. His work focuses on timely analysis, strong opinion, and the narratives fans are actually talking about. He also serves as an NFL Analyst for Last Word on Sports, where he provides in depth coverage and league wide perspective on the NFL

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