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McConkey

McConkey did much of his damage on a 27-yard connection with Justin Herbert early in the game, but it was another effective outing for the rookie out of Georgia. This makes five consecutive contests that he’s picked up at least five receptions, and he’s picked up at least 80 yards in four of those five games. Simply put, McConkey has been very impressive in his rookie campaign, and there’s no reason to think it won’t keep going against the Patriots in Week 17.

McConkey looked like he was primed for a big day, catching 3-of-3 targets for 27 yards and one touchdown on the first drive but the Buccaneers’ pass rush ultimately foiled the Chargers’ offensive game plan. McConkey showed no ill effects from his shoulder and knee injuries. The Chargers face another blitz-happy defense in the Broncos next week and McConkey remains the team leader with 34 targets earned against the blitz. He is WR2-viable in Week 16.

Justin Herbert will have his go-to WR active for the Chargers’ must-win Week 15 game. Herbert will, unfortunately, be without Will Dissly (shoulder), who ties for the team’s second-highest target tally (53) behind McConkey’s 80. The Chargers also declared Denzel Perryman, DL Justin Eboigbe, OL Brenden Jaimes, OL Jordan McFadden and QB Easton Stick (emergency 3rd QB) inactive for Week 15 against the Buccaneers.

McConkey missed last week’s game with the pair of injuries. He practiced in a limited capacity three times before being listed as questionable but was ultimately held out of the game. McConkey got the same practice regimen this week and was also listed as questionable, making him a true game-time call. Per Rapoport, the plan is for McConkey to workout before the game before making a final determination on his status. Fantasy managers can cautiously treat the rookie as a WR2, though a backup plan is still recommended.

McConkey entered Week 14 as questionable to play following three straight Limited Participant practice designations. He will do so again this week, hopefully, with different end results. The Chargers ultimately ruled McConkey out before Week 14 kicked off. His continued limited participation this week at least indicates he has suffered no setbacks but his inability to practice in full is concerning. He is a WR2, if active though he obviously carries re-injury risk.

It’s too early to know whether or not McConkey will suit up for Week 15 after he was limited in practice all of last week but ultimately sidelined for Week 14 against the Chiefs. Normally we would assume two-straight weeks of limited practices are a good sign for a player, but we’ll wait until Friday’s injury report drops before getting ahead of ourselves.

McConkey was limited in all three practices last week before being held out of a high-leverage matchup with the Chiefs. Another limited session today means he didn’t suffer any setbacks. It also makes it hard to say whether or not he will suit up for Week 15. If he doesn’t Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston would both see plenty of targets. Palmer led the team with nine looks last week while Johnston score the Chargers’ lone receiving touchdown.

McConkey played through an AC joint injury in his shoulder for the previous three games before injuring his knee late in the team’s Week 13 win over the Falcons, ultimately unable to suit up after limited showings to end the week. Also inactive for the Chargers are QB Easton Stick, LB Denzel Perryman, S Tony Jefferson, OL Brenden Jaimes, OL Jordan McFadden, and DL Justin Eboigbe.

McConkey was limited in all three practices before being questionable. With an AFC West showdown versus Kansas City on tap, we expect the rookie to tough it out and play this week. McConkey went down with the knee injury late in the Chargers’ Week 13 win over the Falcons and was already dealing with an AC joint issue in his shoulder. McConkey could be on a pitch count this week, but the Chargers will make his reps count, keeping him in the WR2 ranks if active.

McConkey was clearly laboring through his shoulder injury last week, though it wasn’t affecting his box score. The rookie had nine grabs for 117 yards before exiting with a knee injury in the fourth quarter. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was non-committal on McConkey’s availability early in the week, but he at least managed to get in three limited practices before drawing the questionable tag. He appears to be on the right side of questionable heading into the weekend, but fantasy managers will want to check the Chargers’ inactive before kickoff. The combo of injuries will move McConkey down the ranks for Week 14, but not far enough to push him outside of the top 20 receivers.