Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been ruled out of the Week 6 game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a concussion after suffering a head injury in the first half. McConkey had returned to the lineup after missing time because of a foot injury, but his comeback ended early at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chargers confirmed that he would not return to Sunday’s game, leaving quarterback Justin Herbert with one fewer receiving option against Kansas City.
Ladd McConkey exits Chiefs game with head injury
McConkey was being evaluated for a head injury before the update confirmed that he had been ruled out with a concussion. He left the field and headed to the locker room for further medical assessment.
The injury came after a difficult few weeks for the receiver. McConkey was limited by a foot problem and missed the Chargers’ Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos. Although he was active for that matchup, he did not play a snap.
The Chargers had cleared McConkey to play against Kansas City after he returned to full practice on Friday. However, his latest injury has cut short his return.
Jim Harbaugh had not set a snap count for Ladd McConkey
Before the game, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked whether McConkey and fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston would face limits on their playing time after missing the previous game.
“I don’t know,” Harbaugh said when asked about a possible snap count. On whether the two receivers would be fully available, he added, “We’ll see how it goes.”
Johnston had also missed the Broncos game with a chest injury but was cleared to return for Week 6. McConkey’s concussion now leaves the Chargers without one of their key targets once again.
Quentin Johnston and KeAndre Lambert-Smith could get more targets
With McConkey ruled out and Tre’ Harris unavailable because of a hamstring injury, Johnston and KeAndre Lambert-Smith could have bigger roles in the passing game.
McConkey had recorded 12 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown this season before the Chiefs matchup. The Chargers will need their remaining receivers to help Herbert as they try to get their first win of the season against an unbeaten Kansas City team.
McConkey will need to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol before he can return to action.