RADIO
Marquez Valdes-Scantling a Deep-League Waiver Option
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling could see another substantial snap share in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, although his fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper leagues. With Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, Ladd McConkey (foot) available only for emergencies, and Tre' Harris (hamstring) exiting early, Valdes-Scantling played 75% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's 23-17 loss to Denver. Despite the expanded playing time, he caught just two passes for 22 yards on three targets and has only five targets across three appearances this season. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Monday that McConkey could begin working back into the mix this week, while Johnston may remain limited in practice. Valdes-Scantling could continue seeing significant playing time if those injuries persist, but his lack of targets makes him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. Managers in leagues with 14 or more teams can consider him for temporary receiver depth, although there's little incentive to invest heavily in a player who could see his opportunities disappear once the Chargers get healthier. Los Angeles also has a Week 7 bye approaching.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris Still Worth Stashing Despite Hamstring Injury?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (hamstring) was a sneaky pickup going into the Week 5 game against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, with both Ladd McConkey (foot) and Quentin Johnston (chest) questionable to play. McConkey was active (did not end up playing any snaps), while Johnston was held out. It was shaping up to be a high-target day for Harris in the Chargers' banged-up offense, but L.A.'s offense continued to struggle before Harris left the game in the second half and never returned due to a hamstring injury. He caught two of his four targets for only 16 yards before departing. With McConkey, Johnston, and Harris all injured, tight end Charlie Kolar ended up leading the Chargers in receiving with three grabs on four targets for only 37 yards on a day in which quarterback Justin Herbert threw for only 121 yards. Harris is now considered week-to-week with his hamstring injury, meaning he could miss the Week 6 divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. Keep in mind that the Chargers' bye comes in Week 7 when deciding whether to keep Harris stashed as WR depth in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tre' Harris Considered "Week-to-Week"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh called wide receiver Tre' Harris (hamstring) "more week-to-week" on Monday, according to Alex Insdorf. Harris was in line for a bigger workload in the Week 5 divisional tilt against the Denver Broncos on Sunday with Ladd McConkey (foot) banged up and Quentin Johnston (chest) ruled out, but he ended up playing only 45% of the offensive snaps in the 23-17 loss after tweaking his hamstring in the second half. Harris finished with just two catches on four targets for a season-low 16 receiving yards. The 24-year-old should probably be considered more doubtful than questionable to play this weekend against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, especially with the Chargers' bye coming in Week 7. If Harris does not get the green light to play in Week 6, his next opportunity to suit up will not come until Nov. 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. Harris currently has 15 receptions on 25 targets for 225 yards and no touchdowns in his first five games of his sophomore campaign in 2026.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Ladd McConkey Will "Continue to Work Into Practice"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) will "continue to work into practice" this week, according to Alex Insdorf. McConkey was active for Sunday's divisional clash against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 after receiving a questionable tag, but the 24-year-old did not play a single snap on offense in the 23-17 loss at SoFi Stadium. Quentin Johnston and Brenen Thompson were ruled out, and Tre' Harris injured his hamstring in the second half, leading to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. playing the most snaps of any of the team's pass-catchers on Sunday. McConkey will be out at practice again this week, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice by the end of the week to avoid another questionable tag going into the Week 6 divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, McConkey got started strong with five catches, 82 yards, and a touchdown, but he has caught just seven passes for 101 yards and no touchdowns in his last four games, including putting up donuts in each of the last two weeks. It is becoming very hard to trust anyone in the Chargers' offense right now.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Quentin Johnston to Be Limited in Practice This Week
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) will be limited in practice this week, according to Alex Insdorf. Johnston was inactive in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday and is up in the air to return for the Week 6 contest this Sunday, Oct. 18, against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Like most of the rest of L.A.'s banged-up offense, the 25-year-old Johnston has gotten off to a slow start for the winless Chargers in his fourth season in the NFL. The former first-rounder from TCU has caught only seven of his 19 targets for 108 yards and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year after scoring a combined 16 times in 2024 and 2025. Fellow wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) was active against Denver, but he did not play a single snap, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. playing the most snaps among the team's wideouts. Tre' Harris (hamstring) was also injured in Week 5, so the Chargers' WR corps is a mess right now. Even if Johnston is active against the Chiefs, fantasy managers should have better WR4/flex options to choose from.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Ladd McConkey Does Nothing in Loss
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was cleared to play ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. He was not expected to suit up, but McConkey was given the go-ahead to play this weekend. The third-year wideout was active, but didn't play during the Week 5 loss. He was expected to have a limited role, but didn't end up doing anything. Fantasy managers who started McConkey got a dud. Fantasy managers can be hopeful for better days ahead against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. It has been a down year for McConkey, but he's still the No. 1 wideout in this offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tre' Harris Questionable to Return with Hamstring Injury
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (hamstring) is questionable to return with a hamstring injury. The wideout drew just four targets before leaving the game and caught only two for 16 yards. Harris was expected to take on a lead role this afternoon with Quentin Johnston (chest) inactive and Ladd McConkey (foot) on a strict snap count. For now, managers should expect tight ends Charlie Kolar and Oronde Gadsden to be Justin Herbert's top options in the passing attack.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey Active but Not Expected to Play Meaningful Snaps
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is active for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos but isn't expected to play meaningful snaps, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McConkey missed all three practices this week after aggravating his foot injury against Seattle, where he failed to catch either of his two targets. He's managed 12 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown through four games. The Chargers are also without Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps), leaving Tre' Harris, Derius Davis and Marquez Valdes-Scantling among their available receiving options.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Ladd McConkey Unlikely to Play Versus Denver on Sunday
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Denver Broncos, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. McConkey did not practice this past week, and he is officially listed as questionable. Injuries have limited the 24-year-old to fewer than 50% of the offensive snaps in three of his four games so far this season, resulting in a modest 12 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown. With both McConkey and Quentin Johnston (chest) sidelined, quarterback Justin Herbert is limited in terms of whom he can throw the football to. Presumably, Tre' Harris will serve as his top target against Denver on Sunday.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Tre' Harris a Viable Flex Play in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris could see a bigger role in Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chargers ruled out wideout Quentin Johnston (chest) and listed Ladd McConkey (foot) as questionable. Harris has quietly broken out over the past few weeks and has led the team in receiving yards each week since Week 2. He has steadily taken over the WR2 role for the Chargers and is one injury away from becoming the WR1. Harris enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR WR45 in an intriguing matchup. The Broncos' defense will be without its top 2 cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, and has allowed the 13th-most passing yards and the 14th-most passing touchdowns. Harris can be plugged into flex spots for managers battling injuries and bye weeks.
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Ladd McConkey Carries Greater Risk With Foot Injury in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) is listed as questionable heading into Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. McConkey has battled multiple injuries this season and was forced to exit his Week 4 contest and did not return. The Chargers WR1 missed practice this week and was listed as a nonparticipant in each session. McConkey enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR WR49 despite an intriguing matchup. The Broncos defense will be without its top 2 cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, and has allowed the 13th-most passing yards and the 14th-most passing touchdowns. McConkey carries extra risk this week with his foot injury after leaving early last week and missing practice. Managers should try to find other options to plug into flex spots heading into Week 5.
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Ladd McConkey Questionable for Week 5
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is considered questionable to play in Week 5 at home against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Alex Insdorf. Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson have also been ruled out, so the struggling Chargers' offense could be without their top two receivers as they look to win their first game of the 2026 season. McConkey played through a foot injury last weekend in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks and could not catch either of his two targets before aggravating his foot and being pulled. The 24-year-old former first-rounder did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was spotted on the field for the start of Friday's session. McConkey is shaping up as a true game-time decision on Sunday in the later window of games, which makes him even more risky for fantasy purposes, even if the Broncos are missing their top cornerback in Patrick Surtain II (ankle). He has cooled since his 82-yard, one-touchdown performance on five catches in the Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tre' Harris will have a bigger role in the Chargers' passing attack with Johnston out and McConkey banged up.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Quentin Johnston Ruled Out for Week 5 With Chest Injury
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday due to a chest injury, according to Alex Insdorf. Johnston's disappointing 2026 season continues early on, with his next chance to return coming in Week 6 on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Johnston being out, the Chargers will be without Brenen Thompson, while Ladd McConkey (foot) is questionable to face the Broncos. It means that Tre' Harris could be heavily targeted this weekend against a Broncos defense that will be missing top cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle). The Chargers' offense has not really clicked under new coordinator Mike McDaniel so far in 2026, and that has trickled down to hurt Johnston to begin his fourth year in the NFL. Through four games, he has caught just seven of his 19 targets for 108 yards and has yet to find the end zone after catching exactly eight touchdown passes in each of the last two seasons with the Bolts. Johnston's stock continues to plummet.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Ladd McConkey Misses Another Practice on Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week. McConkey played through a foot injury in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but he aggravated it and was pulled in the third quarter, to give fantasy managers a donut on the day. The 24-year-old has been described as both week-to-week and day-to-day, but with two DNPs under his belt so far this week, he is looking more doubtful than probable as the Bolts look for their first win of the season this Sunday at home against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Even if McConkey returns to practice on Friday, he could be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at SoFi Stadium. Quentin Johnston (chest) has been limited in practice this week as well, so Tre' Harris could have a big workload this weekend against Denver if McConkey is inactive. McConkey had five catches for 82 yards and a score in the season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but he has caught only seven passes for 101 yards and no touchdowns over the last three games. Fantasy managers should prepare for McConkey to potentially miss the Week 5 contest.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnston Logs a Limited Practice Session on Wednesday
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's official injury report. The 0-4 Chargers continue to be the bearers of bad news, listing a whopping 18 players on their injury report, including three receivers: Johnston, Ladd McConkey (foot, did not practice), and Brenen Thompson (quadricep, limited). Johnston has been incredibly disappointing in his fourth NFL season, catching just seven passes for 108 yards and zero touchdowns through four games. After posting a career-best WR34 finish in PPR leagues last year, he has plummeted to WR88 in scoring so far this season. The only good news is that he has maintained a snap share of at least 75% every week. If McConkey is inactive against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, Johnston's fantasy appeal will increase slightly, but he's pretty tough to trust in most leagues right now. Plus, he'd need to clear injury hurdles of his own as he works to overcome this chest ailment.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
