The Los Angeles Chargers finally received some encouraging news regarding Ladd McConkey.
McConkey returned to practice Friday after missing the first two days of the week because of the rib injury he suffered during Los Angeles' season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. It's still too early to know exactly what that means for Sunday.
McConkey's participation level and official injury designation will provide a much clearer indication of whether he's trending toward playing against the Las Vegas Raiders. But simply getting back onto the practice field represents significant progress after consecutive absences.
The Chargers desperately need him. McConkey caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown before leaving Los Angeles' 26-14 loss to Arizona. The offense struggled to consistently generate explosive plays after his departure.
Now comes an important AFC West matchup against a Raiders team that opened its season with an impressive 27-13 victory over Miami.
Los Angeles entered the season with playoff expectations after an offseason filled with excitement surrounding Mike McDaniel's arrival as offensive coordinator. Falling to 0-2, including a divisional loss at home, would immediately create an uncomfortable situation.
Having Justin Herbert's top receiver available would certainly help prevent that.
The Raiders are dealing with their own major injury question. Star tight end Brock Bowers also returned to practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday, although Las Vegas has officially listed him as doubtful.
Both teams could therefore enter Sunday without one of their premier offensive weapons.
For the Chargers, however, McConkey returning to practice provides considerably more optimism than they had entering Friday. Now they wait for his official game designation. Stay tuned.