The Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 2 with their top receiver uncertain and one starting offensive lineman unavailable, affecting Justin Herbert, Omarion Hampton and the remaining pass catchers. Ladd McConkey is questionable with a rib injury, while guard Trey Pipkins III has been ruled out with a knee issue.

McConkey missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant Friday. That gives him a chance to play, but the Chargers occupy the late window. Pipkins did not practice all week, and Kayode Awosika is expected to replace him at left guard.

Los Angeles also ruled out defensive back Elijah Molden with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Deane Leonard is questionable with an abdominal injury. Derius Davis, Khalil Mack, Akheem Mesidor, Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson and Bud Dupree received no game designations.

game status for week 2 vs. LV

QUESTIONABLE — Deane Leonard, Ladd McConkey

OUT — Elijah Molden, Trey Pipkins III

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 18, 2026

McConkey’s status affects Justin Herbert

Chargers' Ladd McConkey "full go" for training camp after offseason hamstring injury
Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Herbert remains viable, but McConkey determines his ceiling. The quarterback completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 26-14 opening loss. McConkey accounted for five receptions, 82 yards and Herbert’s only touchdown on seven targets before leaving during the third quarter.

The offense changed without him. Herbert averaged 8.9 yards per attempt while McConkey was available and only 3.9 after the receiver departed. Los Angeles produced 0.12 expected points added per play with McConkey and minus-0.61 without him.

If McConkey plays, treat him as a risky WR2. Herbert would remain a lower-end QB1 with McConkey available, in a divisional matchup Los Angeles needs after its disappointing opener. If McConkey sits, Herbert becomes a riskier QB1 or high-end QB2 because no other receiver has replaced those targets.

Omarion Hampton could gain volume

Hampton’s Week 1 touchdown preserved his fantasy result. The second-year back carried 12 times for 43 yards and scored from eight yards out. Keaton Mitchell handled only four carries, while Kimani Vidal played four snaps without receiving a touch, leaving Hampton firmly atop the backfield.

Omarion Hampton’s first touchdown of the season was an absolute monster.

He took contact from half the Cardinals defense and just refused to go down.

Here it is with all the replays. pic.twitter.com/CVMHS8Sr8H

— Tino ⚡️ (@TinoFromTheQ) September 16, 2026

McConkey’s absence could produce more rushing work and checkdowns for Hampton. That strengthens his receiving outlook and gives him multiple paths to deliver fantasy production. He belongs in fantasy lineups as an RB2 with RB1 upside if his workload approaches 18 to 20 touches.

Pipkins’ absence complicates that projection. Awosika joins a line already missing center Tyler Biadasz, potentially reducing rushing lanes. Hampton’s volume and goal-line role outweigh that concern.

Other Chargers pass catchers get opportunities

Quentin Johnston becomes the priority alternative if McConkey cannot play. Johnston and rookie Tre’ Harris combined for only five catches and 37 yards on 12 targets in Week 1, showing the uncertainty behind McConkey. Johnston offers more established touchdown and downfield potential, making him a volatile WR3 whose value depends heavily on one explosive play or touchdown.

Harris would move into a larger role but remains a speculative play best reserved for deeper leagues. Derius Davis practiced fully despite a calf issue, yet his speed is more useful for manufactured touches and occasional vertical shots than dependable weekly volume.

The tight ends could absorb additional short-area work, especially if Pipkins’ absence forces Herbert into quicker decisions. Still, none is more than a touchdown-dependent streamer in standard-sized fantasy leagues this week.

Fantasy managers should prepare a late-window replacement before trusting McConkey. If active, start him while accepting added risk. If inactive, Johnston receives the strongest boost, Hampton gains volume appeal and Herbert’s ceiling declines. The Chargers still possess useful fantasy pieces, but McConkey’s status controls how confidently managers can deploy them Sunday.