RADIO
Chargers Work Out JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Chargers worked out free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Quentin Johnston (chest) missed the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, and although Ladd McConkey (foot) was active, he was only available in an emergency situation and did not play a single offensive snap. Injuries to the wideout position continued in Sunday's loss, too, as Tre' Harris left with a hamstring injury and did not return. He is considered week-to-week with a Week 7 divisional tilt on the road coming this Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. With all of the injuries at the position, tight end Charlie Kolar led the Bolts in receiving in the 23-17 loss to Denver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. were forced into significant snaps last weekend and could be forced to do so again if Harris and Johnston do not play. The 29-year-old Smith-Schuster continues to look for another chance to play in 2026, and it could come in L.A. The former Pro Bowler in 2018 played in 17 games (12 starts) with the Chiefs last year and caught 33 of 45 targets for 345 yards and one touchdown. Smith-Schuster becoming fantasy-relevant in standard 12-team fantasy leagues is likely a long shot if he lands in L.A.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
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
Charlie Kolar Isn't a Priority Add Despite Leading Chargers in Receiving
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar returned from a fractured forearm to lead the team with 37 receiving yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, although his performance wasn't without problems. Kolar caught three of four targets, but lost a fumble following a 19-yard reception on Los Angeles' opening possession that helped set up Denver's first touchdown. The veteran has now caught six passes for 58 yards without a touchdown across three appearances this season. His increased involvement came with Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, leaving the Chargers short on receiving options. David Njoku remains on injured reserve, although Oronde Gadsden II continues to compete for playing time, and Hayden Rucci caught the team's lone passing touchdown against Denver. Kolar has an opportunity to build on Sunday's production against Kansas City in Week 6, but his limited receiving history makes him difficult to trust. Rostered in just 1% of leagues, he's an emergency streaming consideration in 14-team formats, particularly with the Chargers heading into their Week 7 bye.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kimani Vidal a Stash-Worthy Waiver Target Whose Role Continues to Expand
After a Week 4 touchdown reception against the Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal recorded his first score on the ground in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, and he has legitimate stash appeal on this week's waiver wire. For the second week in a row, the Chargers deployed a near-even three-way split between Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell, with Vidal actually leading the group with 28 offensive snaps. His 42-yard touchdown run helped him to finish with 57 rushing yards and a 7.1-yard-per-carry average on his eight attempts. While he still isn't seeing enough work to be a reliable weekly start, Vidal has been the team's most efficient runner on a limited sample size, racking up yards after contact. With Hampton disappointing through five weeks, and Vidal possessing multiple potential paths to an expanded workload, he's become a player worthy of an end-of-bench stash in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keaton Mitchell Remains a Long-term Stash Despite a Quiet Week
Despite modest results in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell remains heavily involved in what has been arguably the league's most disappointing offense, pointing to potentially brighter days ahead. For the second week in a row, the Chargers leaned on a three-way backfield split, with Mitchell, Omarion Hampton, and Kimani Vidal all seeing the field for at least 20 snaps, and each seeing at least nine opportunities. Vidal, while still the least utilized, has been the team's most efficient runner, but Mitchell remains the designated passing back, with his 14 targets through five weeks more than doubling the combined total of the other two. While the current split makes none of the Chargers' backs a reliable weekly start, Mitchell's big-play ability, coupled with multiple paths to an expanded workload, makes him a must-roster player and a waiver stash to target wherever he's still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chargers Not Considering Trading Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers have never discussed the idea of potentially trading quarterback Justin Herbert, a team source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter admitted that the idea of the Chargers trading Herbert for three first-round picks would be intriguing and would allow the 0-5 team to rebuild for the future, but it sounds as though the Bolts have no interest in trading away their franchise signal-caller despite the bad start and injuries piling up around him on offense. Things could change if the Chargers continue to lose -- they face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 -- but as of now, it is a non-starter for the organization, and it does not even sound like they are willing to listen to trade offers for Herbert. The 28-year-old has struggled in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme through five weeks, but L.A.'s grinder of a schedule has not made it any easier. Herbert is completing 59.4% of his passes for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and is already working with a patchwork offensive line in front of him. He has quickly fallen down to low-end QB2 status, and it is going to be difficult for him to bounce back this weekend against KC given all the injuries to the Chargers' WR corps.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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
Omarion Hampton Inefficient, Out-Snapped by Backfield Mates
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had an inefficient effort in a 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Hampton carried the ball 14 times for 33 yards (2.4 yards per carry) and recorded one catch for six yards. He did not find the end zone. While Hampton led the Chargers in rushing attempts, he was third on the team in rushing yards behind running back Kimani Vidal (57) and quarterback Justin Herbert (54). More discouraging for Hampton was the fact that both Vidal (27) and Keaton Mitchell (23) played more offensive snaps than Hampton (20). The Chargers have now fallen to 0-5 on the 2026 season, and their running back by committee remains difficult to figure out.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
Charlie Kolar Active Against Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) is active for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos, according to the team's gameday report. Kolar suffered a fractured forearm against Las Vegas in Week 2 and underwent surgery on September 21, but managed to avoid injured reserve. He missed the following two games before returning to limited practice this week. Kolar caught three passes for 21 yards against the Raiders before exiting with the injury. With David Njoku (fibula) still on injured reserve, Kolar rejoins a tight end group that has relied on Oronde Gadsden in his absence.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
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
