Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is one of the most important players on the team, and he will be playing in Week 15’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This report comes after the Georgia product missed Week 14’s close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with knee and shoulder injuries.
Late-game actives include:
🏈Bills TE Dalton Kincaid
🏈Chargers WR Ladd McConkey
🏈Bucs RB Bucky Irving— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2024
Is Ladd McConkey Playing Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After parting ways with veteran wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in the offseason, Los Angeles needed McConkey to make an impact right out of the gate. Fortunately, the rookie was up for the task, recording 58 receptions for 815 yards and four touchdowns through the first 12 games of the season. Despite missing a game, the rookie still leads the Chargers in receiving yards and currently ranks fourth among rookies in overall yardage and third in receptions.
Without McConkey in the lineup last week, star quarterback Justin Herbert had no choice but to rely on former first-round pick Quentin Johnston and career backup Joshua Palmer. Facing off against a secondary that struggled to find a replacement for the injured Jaylen Watson, Palmer finished the game with six receptions for 78 yards on nine targets while Johnston recorded five receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Stone Smartt got in on the fun as well, recording three receptions for 54 yards on three targets.
Even with McConkey’s uncertain status, the Chargers enter their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as three-point favorites. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has played well throughout the season, especially with a healthy Mike Evans. However, the defense has not carried their end of the bargain, as the unit ranks 21st in EPA/play allowed. Currently one game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South race, this is a must-win game for an organization hoping to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
Main Photo: Brett Davis – USA Today Sports
