The Chargers have undergone a complete overhaul this season. They brought in former Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh, to introduce an entirely new philosophy and culture to the team. The changes have largely been successful as the Chargers are currently in the heat of the AFC Wildcard race with an 8-5 record.
The roster has also seen significant changes as well. On the offensive side of the ball, familiar faces like Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler are no longer with the team. In an effort to make up for these losses, the team drafted former Georgia Bulldog, Ladd McConkey, in this year's draft.
McConkey has been one of the standouts among the rookie WR class this season. He has 815 receiving yards on the year and seems well on his way to a productive NFL career. However, it hasn't all been positive for McConkey this season. McConkey is currently dealing with hip and back injuries that could keep him sidelined for a second straight game.
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Will Ladd McConkey play this week? Injury update on Chargers' WR
McConkey left the game during Week 13 and missed the Chargers' Week 14 matchup entirely. He's clearly still dealing with his knee and hip injuries as he's been a limited participant in all three practice sessions this week. Despite his limited participation, he'll be active in the Chargers' matchup with the Buccaneers.
#Chargers WR Ladd McConkey is active today vs. Bucs. LB Denzel Perryman is inactive.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 15, 2024
After being a game time decision last week and ultimately being ruled out, McConkey will be in the lineup this Sunday. He'll be a key piece of the Chargers' offensive success.
Chargers' WR Depth Chart: Who is Ladd McConkey's Backup?
If there's one positional group where the Chargers are thin, it's wide receiver. With McConkey out last week, Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston were Justin Herbert's top receivers. They would reprise these roles if the rookie is ruled out again.
The coaching staff opted to use a rotation at WR3 last week. D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, and Jalen Reagor all ran 10-15 routes against the Chiefs. No one from this trio separated from the pack last week, so this will likely be a rotation once again.
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Ladd McConkey fantasy outlook Week 15
McConkey has come into his own over the last six weeks and has clearly solidified himself as the top receiver on this roster. In his last outing, McConkey commanded a ridiculous 50-percent target share despite not even finishing the game.
McConkey will have no issues drawing targets ahead of the other receivers in Los Angeles and should be able to turn those looks into plenty of fantasy points in a matchup with the abysmal Tampa Bay secondary. The Buccaneers are a top-10 matchup for wide receivers this season and have regularly allowed big days through the air. If McConkey is able to take the field, he belongs in lineups everywhere as a WR2/Flex option.
