RADIO
Ladd McConkey Has More Working in His Favor This Year
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a much better setup heading into his third season. His numbers slipped last year, going from 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie to 66 catches for 789 yards and six scores. The Chargers responded by moving on from Greg Roman and bringing in Mike McDaniel to run the offense. McDaniel's use of motion, spacing and quicker throws should suit McConkey, who was at his best as a rookie when he could find space and create after the catch. There's also a chunk of work available after Keenan Allen led Los Angeles with 122 targets and 81 receptions last season before departing. Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris will still be involved, but McConkey enters the year as one of Justin Herbert's primary options. He also got through training camp after dealing with a hamstring strain during the spring. McConkey checks in at WR15 on RotoBaller's latest rankings, and the change in offensive direction gives him a good shot to rebound after last year's quieter season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keaton Mitchell Missing Another Practice
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell (undisclosed) was not practicing on Thursday during the portion open to the media, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Mitchell was working off to the side with a trainer, and he has now missed six straight practices. It is unclear what the 24-year-old is dealing with as the start of the 2026 regular season quickly approaches, and Mitchell's status for the Week 1 contest on Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Arizona Cardinals is now in question. If Mitchell is limited or out to begin the year, second-year back Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal will both have higher fantasy ceilings against Arizona. A former undrafted free agent from East Carolina, Mitchell played in just 26 games (two starts) in his first three NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens due to injuries, although he has always been an intriguing big-play threat out of the backfield with explosive tendencies. When Mitchell, Hampton, and Vidal are all healthy in 2026, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel plans for them all to have a role, although Hampton is the clear favorite to lead the Bolts in backfield touches. Mitchell's fantasy ceiling and floor will not be very high unless Hampton misses time with an injury, but Mitchell himself must get healthy first. RotoBaller has him ranked as the RB46.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Omarion Hampton Set Up for Year 2 Breakout
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton enters Year 2 with a setup that looks a lot friendlier than the one he had as a rookie. Hampton was limited to nine games by ankle injuries in 2025, but still rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 192 yards and another score. Mike McDaniel is now running the offense, and Hampton spent camp looking like a natural fit. He was one of the standouts in the joint practice with San Francisco, running through defenders and earning praise from Justin Herbert. The line is not completely worry-free after Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending ACL injury, but Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both back in the starting group after missing major time last year. Hampton also sits first on the depth chart ahead of Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. RotoBaller has pushed him all the way to RB6 and No. 11 overall in its Sept. 2 half-PPR rankings. If he stays healthy, the breakout case is getting harder to ignore.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Kolar a Deep-League Sleeper Target Following Strong Camp
After spending the first four years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, veteran tight end Charlie Kolar is entering his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026. Kolar saw very limited usage as a receiver during his time in Baltimore, recording just 30 receptions and four touchdowns across 47 games. In Los Angeles, Kolar could play a similar role as the blocking complement to the Chargers' receiving-focused tight ends Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku. However, Kolar has drawn strong reviews for his work in training camp, and he could be carving out a sizable role in his new team's offense. Given Kolar's extremely limited pass-catching track record, it's too early to prioritize him in fantasy drafts. Still, managers may want to consider him as a deep-league sleeper name to monitor entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Oronde Gadsden Falling Down Draft Boards Due to Added Competition
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden impressed in 2025, finishing as the TE17 and hauling in 49 of his 69 targets for 664 yards (13.6 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. He was the most explosive tight end in football with a 131.3 explosive rating, and while he was very efficient and productive, his blocking limitations and the addition of David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are making it more difficult for him to find playing time or to increase his snap share. Additionally, in most of the Chargers' preseason games, Gadsden often played with the backups. Gadsden may be an explosive option in specific passing situations, but it's possible we'll see his 61.4 percent snap share, which was 28th in the NFL last season, continue to decline with the additional tight ends in the room. RotoBaller ranks Gadsden as the TE31 on the season, making him a clear fade in all one-tight-end formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keaton Mitchell Continues to Miss Practice
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell (undisclosed) missed a fourth straight practice on Monday with an undisclosed injury, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Mitchell was seen working off to the side with a trainer. It does not sound like a serious injury, and the 24-year-old will have all of next week to return to practice before the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 13. Still, it is something to keep an eye on for the Chargers' backfield, as both Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal could be in line for bigger roles if Mitchell is limited or out to begin the season. For what it is worth, general manager Joe Hortiz said that he thinks Mitchell will be active next weekend against the Cardinals. Hampton, who is entering his second season, is the Bolts' clear lead back, but new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could ride the hot hand with Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal on a week-to-week basis. Mitchell has explosive abilities out of the backfield, but volume will be a concern, and he has played in just 26 games (two starts) in his first three NFL seasons due to injuries. Fantasy managers should consider Mitchell an interesting late-round handcuff or depth piece for RB depth. RotoBaller has him ranked as the RB46 for 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Ladd McConkey Primed for a League-Winning Bounceback
After a disappointing sophomore season, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is primed for one of the biggest fantasy bouncebacks of 2026. The departure of Keenan Allen, who led the team in targets and receptions a year ago in an overlapping role, and the arrival of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, whose speed and spacing-based system suits McConkey to a T, could open the path for a big year from the 2024 second-round pick. While the Chargers have already suffered a significant loss on the offensive line following the season-ending ACL tear of center Tyler Biadasz (knee), the returns of tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater should help to keep quarterback Justin Herbert on his feet and the offense on schedule. McConkey has already demonstrated WR1 upside, finishing as the WR12 as a rookie, and with an expanded role in an improved offensive environment, he could prove to be a league-winning selection at RotoBaller's WR15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Lance Wins the Chargers' Backup Quarterback Job
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance has made the team's initial 53-man roster, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. He won the backup quarterback job behind Justin Herbert after the Chargers released DJ Uiagalelei on Sunday. Lance has seen occasional playing time as a depth option for the Chargers, Cowboys, and 49ers over the last few years, but he hasn't scored a touchdown since his rookie season with the Niners in 2021. He has appeared in just 16 games since being drafted, flashing impressive mobility but never coming close to meeting the expectations that came with being the No. 3 overall pick. The North Dakota State product remains off the fantasy radar in all leagues, and even if he gets thrust into action due to a Herbert injury, he'd still be tough to trust in weekly fantasy lineups.
Source: Matt Zenitz
Source: Matt Zenitz
Kimani Vidal the Chargers' Best Pass-Protector?
Bolt Beat's Alexander Insdorf noted that running back Kimani Vidal is probably the best pass protector in the Los Angeles Chargers backfield. Omarion Hampton still has to prove he is the better pass blocker until he takes that title away from Vidal. The Chargers running back room remains one of the most monitored situations by fantasy managers heading into draft weekend. The team is expected to roster Hampton, Vidal, and Keaton Mitchell (knee) this season. All three backs offer fantasy appeal and will have a role in the Chargers' offense under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has said all three backs will be used and he will use a "hot hand" approach. With three backs fighting for snaps, Vidal could find his way onto the field on obvious passing downs if he is viewed as the best pass protector out of the three. If this happens, Vidal could be fantasy relevant this season outside of being a handcuff to Hampton.
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Source: Bolt Beat - Alexander Insdorf
Omarion Hampton Set to Break Out in His Sophomore Season
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is eyeing a breakout year in 2026. The 23-year-old is coming off an injury-riddled rookie season, where he finished as the RB12 in fantasy points per game (15.1) out of running backs who played in at least nine games. This season he will have an improved offensive line to run behind and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to run for. McDaniel has produced a top-5 fantasy running back in each of the last three seasons, with four running backs averaging over 17 fantasy points per game. Additionally, McDaniel weaponized the running back position in Miami with De'Von Achane seeing 85-plus targets, 480-plus receiving yards, and catching at least four receiving touchdowns in each of his last two seasons. Hampton has had a strong offseason and received praise from his coaches all summer. It is within his range of outcomes this season to finish as a top-five running back in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Dicker "Working Through Something"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that placekicker Cameron Dicker (undisclosed) is "working through something," according to Alex Insdorf. However, Harbaugh also said that he is not concerned with Dicker's injury. "Just something that came up tonight," Harbaugh said after the team's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. We will keep an eye on the 26-year-old kicker's status heading into the team's Week 1 regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but it sounds like he should be just fine to kick to begin the season. The former Texas product should be considered a top-five fantasy kicker in a Chargers offense that could be much more explosive under new coordinator Mike McDaniel in 2026. Dicker was a first-time Pro Bowler last year after making 92.7% of his 41 field-goal attempts (5-for-6 from 50-plus yards) and 97.1% of his 35 extra-point attempts in 17 regular-season games. RotoBaller has Dicker ranked as the No. 5 fantasy kicker for the 2026 season.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Gregory Desrosiers Puts Solid Production on Tape in Preseason Finale
Playing primarily with the third-team offense, Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Gregory Desrosiers led all players with 118 rushing yards on only nine carries in Thursday night's preseason loss to the Rams. The undrafted free agent out of Memphis bounced off a pair of would-be tacklers early in the fourth quarter for a 34-yard touchdown run and caught one of his two targets for an additional eight yards, but unless Keaton Mitchell's undisclosed injury, which has been described as a "mild setback" stretches into the regular season, Desrosiers may still find himself on the wrong side of a numbers crunch. The Chargers have a deep and versatile room with the free agent acquisition Mitchell joining 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton and the team's leading rusher from a season ago, Kimani Vidal. Still, ahead of Sunday's roster cutdown, Desrosiers was at least able to put solid production on film for any teams in search of running back depth.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Justin Herbert Shakes Off Early Mistake, Showcases Elite Arm Talent
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and some of the team's starting offense played two series against the Rams' defensive reserves in Thursday night's preseason finale, with both drives lasting exactly two plays. After his fumbled handoff attempt on the Chargers' second play of the game led to a Rams' field goal, Herbert quickly made up for the mistake on his next opportunity, uncorking a 65-yard touchdown strike to fourth-year receiver Quentin Johnston. Herbert's physical abilities have never been in question, but since a QB2 finish in 2021, he's been unable to overcome a series of environmental setbacks, with a number of catastrophic injuries to his offensive line most recently holding him back in 2025. While the Chargers have already lost center Tyler Biadasz (knee) to a season-ending knee injury, the returns to health of bookend Pro Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater have Herbert well-positioned for a fantasy bounceback in Mike McDaniel's new-look offense. As RotoBaller's QB7, Herbert is already priced higher than any of his fantasy finishes since his second season in the league, but with the skill set, the surrounding cast, and the playcaller all seemingly in place, he could ultimately prove to be a league-winning value in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Quentin Johnston Shows Off Boom Potential with Long Touchdown
With the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive starters playing two series against the Rams' defensive reserves in Thursday night's cross-town preseason finale, fourth-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston helped quarterback Justin Herbert atone for an opening drive fumble by splitting two defenders for a 65-yard touchdown to give the Bolts an early 7-3 lead. A first-round pick in 2023, Johnston struggled with drops early in his career, but has flashed moments of underrated excellence over the past two seasons, particularly during a four-week stretch that saw him open 2025 as the fantasy WR4. While volume and consistency concerns still exist in what is expected to be a run-first Mike McDaniel offense, Johnston should be schemed into space and put in a position to make use of his run-after-catch abilities, and Thursday night's deep touchdown served as a reminder of his big-play potential. As RotoBaller's WR38, Johnston can still be viewed through a boom-or-bust lens in 2026, but all signs point to the booms being more explosive with the busts less detrimental.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tre' Harris Still the Projected WR3 in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (undisclosed) continues to be projected as the third option in the receiver room, despite the fact that he has missed the team's first two preseason games due to an undisclosed injury. Even for the duration of his absence, Harris has held on to the No. 3 job without any teammates threatening to take his spot. In fact, we expect him to take a step forward this year and have a much larger role than he did as a rookie in 2025. Last year, as the Bolts' No. 4 receiver, he caught 30 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown. Now that Keenan Allen is gone, he's jumping to third in the pecking order behind just Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. The 24-year-old Ole Miss product currently ranks as the WR65 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
