When will Ladd McConkey return? Chargers WR dealing with rib injury

The Los Angeles Chargers didn't just lose their 2026 season opener to the Arizona Cardinals . They also lost one of their top offensive playmakers during the proceedings.

Ladd McConkey suffered a chest injury while trying to make a catch over the middle of the field. The third-year receiver was hit hard in the back by Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. and remained down after the play.

McConkey was eventually able to get up and walk off the field under his own power. He was examined in the blue medical tent before eventually heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

He did not return , and his status will be closely monitored by Chargers fans after he posted a team-high five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in the 26-14 loss.

Here's everything to know about McConkey's injury.

Notable injuries throughout the 2026 NFL season

McConkey is dealing with a rib injury after the hit he took against the Cardinals, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport . The 24-year-old receiver is set to be "monitored" during the week because of the injury and "is up in the air" to play in the team's Week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders .

The Chargers have not yet provided an official update about McConkey's status. Coach Jim Harbaugh did not have an update during his postgame news conference while quarterback Justin Herbert simply said he was "hoping for the best" when asked about his teammate.

"It's always tough losing a guy like Ladd, we are hoping for the best but we are thankful for the guys behind that stepped up and have to make plays," Herbert said.

McConkey is one of six receivers on the Chargers' 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit, based on the Chargers' official depth chart and the snap counts played in Los Angeles ' Week 1 game.

Johnston and Harris led the Chargers in snaps played against the Cardinals, so the duo would operate as Los Angeles' top two receivers if McConkey misses time. While they had prominent roles, neither was overly productive, with Johnston logging just two catches for 17 yards and Harris notching three for 20.

Davis and Thompson – two smaller, speed threats – would likely alternate at the No. 3 receiver position if McConkey can't play in Week 2. Each played 10 offensive snaps in Week 1 but neither logged a reception.

Meanwhile, Lambert-Smith suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and may not be able to play in Week 2 either. If he is out, the Chargers will likely elevate either Gary Jennings or Theo Wease Jr. to provide additional depth in their receiving corps.