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When the Los Angeles Chargers passed on wide receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and opted for offensive tackle Joe Alt instead, many around the league wondered who the team's No. 1 wide receiver would be.
We didn't have to wait long as the Chargers traded up on Day 2 and selected Ladd McConkey in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. The rookie has been nothing short of sensational this year, with 58 receptions for 815 yards and four touchdowns. However, McConkey injured his knee and shoulder and missed the team's Week 14 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers have a big game in Week 15 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they look to stay ahead in the AFC's Wildcard race. So, will McConkey be out there in Week 15? And if so, what can we expect to deal with for our fantasy squads? Let's find out more below.
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Ladd McConkey Injury Update
McConkey has been playing banged up for much of the season, but the first game that he missed was in Week 14, where the Chargers lost 19-17 to the Chiefs on a last-second field goal.
WR Ladd McConkey at practice and going through drills. That’s more than last week pic.twitter.com/RjLKSHdxdS
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 11, 2024
Ladd got in a limited practice on Wednesday of this week, but it is still unknown if he is going to suit up for sure in Week 15, casting doubt on many of the fantasy rosters that he's on. The Chargers play at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, which further throws a wrench into things as you might not be afforded the luxury of waiting to know if he's playing or not.
Ladd McConkey Fantasy Football Outlook
In his last three games, McConkey has seen a total of 27 targets and has been a vital part of the Chargers passing attack and a best friend for quarterback Justin Herbert.
WR Separation and YPRR vs Single High pic.twitter.com/7lZztx5Hk7
— Jrfortgang (@throwthedamball) December 11, 2024
McConkey, along with former Georgia teammate Brock Bowers, are both in the top four in receiving yardage among rookies. Bowers leads with 933, and Ladd is fourth with 815. Had it not been for missing Week 14, Bowers and McConkey would likely be No. 1 and No. 2 in rookie receiving yards.
Ladd has gone over 100 yards receiving in three of the team's last six games and has become a reliable target in the Chargers offense. According to PFF, McConkey has played 71.3% of his offensive snaps lined up in the slot and 27.9% from out wide.
His close proximity to Herbert on the field gives him a relatively high floor for fantasy and his ability after the catch gives him somewhat of a high ceiling as well.
If you don't want to wait on Ladd's injury status past 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, that's understandable. But if he plays this week, he feels like a must-start as a mid-range WR2 with upside.
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