RADIO
Trey Lance Placed on Injured Reserve with Groin Injury
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (groin) has been placed on injured reserve, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Lance had already been listed as doubtful to play in Week 5. His placement on IR not only rules him out for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, but it will also keep him sidelined through Week 9 at the earliest. The 26-year-old quarterback had yet to play a snap this year, and he finished last season with just 57 pass attempts, 17 rushing attempts, and four games played. His absence clears the way for DJ Uiagalelei, who had been a healthy scratch through the first four games, to suit up as Los Angeles' backup quarterback behind Justin Herbert.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Charlie Kolar Could Return in Week 5 Against Denver
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, according to the team's official website. Kolar has not played since fracturing his forearm in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but he has made progress and could be back for the Bolts this weekend as they continue to search for their first win of 2026. Fellow tight end David Njoku (leg) remains on Injured Reserve, so Kolar could have an opportunity for a bigger role when he returns alongside Oronde Gadsden. There was buzz surrounding the 27-year-old Kolar in training camp and the preseason for a possibly bigger role in coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense, but that did not manifest itself in the first two games of the season. Kolar caught all three of his targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns, and fantasy managers can leave him on the waiver wire for now until further notice. He has never had more than 142 receiving yards or two touchdowns in his previous four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Oronde Gadsden a Borderline TE2 in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden could see more targets in his Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers officially ruled out wideout Quentin Johnston (chest), while wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) are questionable for the contest. If McConkey and Kolar can't suit up, Gadsden would likely become Justin Herbert's No. 2 target in the passing game. Gadsden enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR TE26 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. However, Gadsden should still be viewed as a borderline TE2 in Week 5. Gadsden has had chances to assert himself in the Chargers' passing game while teammates battled injuries, but he hasn't been able to capitalize on the opportunity. He should remain out of lineups heading into Week 5.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
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
Kimani Vidal Off Fantasy Radar in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has seen more work in the run and pass game over the last two weeks. The 25-year-old has seen six carries and six targets over that stretch. Vidal is coming off an 11.6 PPR performance and had the same snap count percentage as Omarion Hampton. He enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR RB47 in an intriguing matchup against division rival Denver Broncos. Heading into Sunday, the Broncos have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and sixth-most yards per carry. The Broncos defense also has allowed the second-most 20-plus-yard carries (5). Vidal should remain off fantasy radars heading into Week 5, but might see enough volume to take away fantasy value from Hampton and Keaton Mitchell.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Keaton Mitchell Carries Deep-League Flex Appeal in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell is coming off his busiest workload of the season. In Week 4, Mitchell saw a season-high 10 carries and out-snapped Omarion Hampton for the first time this season. The 24-year-old was one of Mike McDaniel's most wanted players during free agency and could be on the verge of establishing a key role in the offense. Mitchell enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR RB35 in an intriguing matchup against division rival Denver Broncos. Heading into Sunday, the Broncos have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and sixth-most yards per carry. They have also allowed the second-most 20-plus-yard carries, which favors an explosive running back like Mitchell. Mitchell should be viewed as an RB3 with upside in Week 5 and could be a viable flex option in deep leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Omarion Hampton a Low-Ceiling Flex Play in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has disappointed over the first four games of the 2026 season. Hampton was a favored breakout candidate during the offseason and has returned PPR RB22 production. The 23-year-old is averaging 11.2 PPR points per game despite scoring three touchdowns in four games. Without the touchdowns, Hampton would be RB38 while averaging 6.7 points per game. Hampton enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR RB29 in a matchup against division rival Denver Broncos. Heading into Sunday, the Broncos have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards and sixth-most yards per carry this season. Hampton heads into a favorable matchup on paper, but managers should keep expectations tempered. He's been losing his grip on the Chargers backfield and has seen his team's carry percentage share drop over the last two weeks. Hampton saw a season low in carries (nine) and was outcarried by Keaton Mitchell (10) last week. The former Tar Heel should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex play as he enters Week 5.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Justin Herbert a Low-Ceiling Superflex Option in Week 5 vs. Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has become a superflex-only fantasy option for managers after a disastrous start to the season. He has posted a 2:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a game this season. As a result, Herbert is QB23 in overall scoring, averaging 12.4 points per game, and hasn't scored over 15 points in a contest. Herbert enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's QB23 in a matchup against division rival Denver Broncos. The Broncos defense has allowed the 13th-most passing yards and the 14th-most passing touchdowns through four weeks. In addition, the Broncos will be without their top 2 cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss. However, Herbert should remain out of lineups in single-quarterback leagues despite going against an injured secondary. Herbert should be viewed as a borderline QB2 with a low ceiling heading into Week 5.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Could Khalil Mack Return to the Bears?
With the Los Angeles Chargers beginning the 2026 season with an 0-4 record, multiple league sources have told The Athletic's Jonathan Jones that the Chicago Bears make sense as a potential landing spot for Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack in a trade. Sources have told Jones that Mack's trade value is likely a fifth-round pick. Mack signed a one-year, $18 million deal with the Chargers, which includes $8 million in base salary. With Mack on an expiring contract, and the Bears in need of pass-rushing help and with the necessary cap space available, it appears a reunion between the 35-year-old Mack and the Bears is something to watch. Mack played for the Bears from 2018 through 2021, with Chicago trading for him in 2018. Mack leads the Chargers with three sacks this season, and he has also recorded 14 total tackles so far.
Source: Jonathan Jones - The Athletic
Source: Jonathan Jones - The Athletic
Derwin James Jr. is Ruled Out for Week 5
Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. James will remain on the sideline as he hasn't been able to practice since suffering this hamstring injury. He'll miss his second straight game and is currently considered week-to-week. It's unclear at the moment if James will be available to suit up for next week's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. His absence is certainly a downgrade for this secondary and this defense as a whole against the Broncos this weekend. Tony Jefferson, Elijah Molden, and Rodney Shelley will likely be asked to pick up the slack with James out.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex 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
Kimani Vidal Becoming More Involved in Chargers' Backfield Committee
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal saw five carries for 25 yards and caught two of his three targets for 11 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The 25-year-old played 25 offensive snaps, which matched Omarion Hampton, while Keaton Mitchell handled 26 snaps. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that the Chargers have not lost faith in Hampton, a former first-rounder who is the RB1 on the team's RB depth chart. L.A. is trying anything they can to try to pick up their first win of the season, and Vidal, Hampton, and Mitchell will all continue to be involved in some capacity as long as they are all healthy. Going into Week 4, Vidal had just one rushing attempt for six yards and one reception for a 14-yard gain in the first three games of the season. Vidal's fantasy arrow is pointing slightly up after his involvement last week, but he still is not close to having standalone value going into a Week 5 tilt against the division-rival Denver Broncos.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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
