Ladd McConkey's status for Week 2 is still up in the air.
The Los Angeles Chargers star wide receiver suffered a cracked rib during the Week 1 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.
But with the aid of some protective equipment, McConkey is pushing to play in the Chargers' clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to reports, he practiced on Friday and has improved more than previously anticipated, giving Los Angeles optimism that Justin Herbert's favorite target will be available.
If he is to be made active for Sunday's game, then he will take to the field wearing a flak jacket, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What is a flak jacket?
A flak jacket - derived from the German word 'fliegerabwehrkanone', which translates into 'aircraft defense cannon' - is a piece of military-grade protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from explosive shrapnel and debris.
Of course, NFL players are not at risk of that, but the sleeveless armor, due to its modern-day design of high-density impact foam and lightweight air-cushioned padding, makes it great for protecting those players who may be carrying some injury ailments to their midsection.
A modified version of the flak jacket was first worn in 1978 by Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini after he suffered broken ribs.
He would go on to lead the Oilers to the AFC Championship game that season, which propelled the equipment into mainstream sporting culture.
The flak jacket would be modernized again, and was made famous by Michael Vick, who opted to wear the equipment on a regular basis when playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The former No. 1 overall pick donned a sleeker, and more high-tech version of the flak jacket using kevlar after partnering with protective gear company Unequal Technologies, who boldly guaranteed that Vick "would not get hurt" back in 2012.
Vick's dual-threat style of play made him more prone to suffering repeated injuries, and other quarterbacks with similar play styles, including former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton and more recently, Baltimore Ravens signal caller Lamar Jackson, have opted to follow suit on occasion.
In fact, the flak jacket has even been seen being used in the NBA, with Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham taking to the hardwood wearing the protective vest following his return to action after suffering a collapsed lung.
Herbert needs McConkey on the field to silence critics
After the Chargers' stunning defeat to a Cardinals outfit spearheaded by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in their season opener, the heat is already mounting on Herbert.
The two-time Pro Bowler completed 17-of-27 passing for 209 yards and a touchdown, as well as an interception in the loss, while he was sacked three times for a total loss of 22 yards.
McConkey was the recipient of Herbert's only passing touchdown, with the third-year pro also leading the Chargers in receiving yards with 82 yards from five receptions.
This is a trend that has continued since the 24-year-old's arrival into the NFL as a second-round pick - 34th overall - in the 2024 draft.
In his debut season, McConkey racked up a team-leading 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns, though he saw his production dwindle somewhat in Year 2 as he notched just 789 yards and six scores from 66 receptions.
However, that was still a team-high.
But, if Herbert is to silence claims that he is 'not a top 10 quarterback' in the NFL, then he will need his top receiver to be readily available for Week 2.
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