Team news: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are signing veteran QB Jake Browning, per source.

Related players: DJ Uiagalelei, Justin Herbert

With Trey Lance heading to IR, the Bolts needed another arm. It's unclear who will earn the QB2 role behind Herbert. Uiagalelei is a former Florida State QB the Chargers signed in 2025. Browning is a former Bengal who backed up Joe Burrow and had some moments of success. He eventually lost the starting role to Joe Flacco in 2025.

Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quad) are out Sunday. Ladd McConkey (foot) is questionable after missing all three practices. The Chargers also ruled out Joe Alt and Trevor Penning and placed Rashawn Slater on injured reserve.

Related Players: Tre’ Harris, Derius Davis, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar, Justin Herbert, Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell

Harris becomes a viable WR3/FLEX and could reach WR2 volume if McConkey also sits. Gadsden gains streaming appeal, while Davis and Valdes-Scantling remain deeper-league options. Herbert’s missing receivers and depleted protection make him difficult to trust outside Superflex leagues. Hampton could receive more touches, but the offensive line injuries limit how confidently managers can chase that volume.

Ladd McConkey did not practice Wednesday because of his foot injury, according to the Chargers’ official report. Quentin Johnston was limited with a chest injury, leaving both WRs’ participation worth watching ahead of Sunday’s game against Denver.

Related Players: Justin Herbert, Tre' Harris, Oronde Gadsden, Derius Davis

Wednesday’s absence supports keeping a contingency plan for McConkey. Harris and Gadsden would benefit from additional opportunities if he misses Sunday, with Johnston also positioned for more work if his chest injury does not interfere.

RT Joe Alt (neck), WR Ladd McConkey (foot) and Donte Jackson (hamstring) are day to day.

McConkey had to leave Week 3's game with the foot injury, so owners are again risking another zero if things don't improve heading into Week 4. McConkey was limited on last Wednesday, didn't practice last Thursday and then returned for a limited Friday practice. McConkey saw two targets before not returning. Owners will need to see much more improvement in his practice time this week.

McConkey did not practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday by a foot injury. ESPN’s Kris Rhim also observed McConkey leaving the locker room with a noticeable limp, suggesting his downgrade was more than routine workload management.

Related Players: Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, Brenen Thompson, Derius Davis, Oronde Gadsden

The downgrade and visible limp make McConkey’s Friday participation especially important. If he cannot play, Johnston and Harris would become the Chargers’ primary WR options, while Davis would be a candidate for additional slot reps. Thompson has also missed both practices this week, leaving Los Angeles short on healthy depth. Johnston and Harris would enter the flex and DFS conversation, while Gadsden could receive additional short-area targets. McConkey managers should prepare a late-window replacement.

Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar is undergoing surgery to repair a broken forearm, per source. He plans to make a full return after short-term IR (four weeks).

Related players: Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku

It's a big loss for the Chargers, mostly in terms of blocking. With Njoku also on IR, the team turns back to Gadsden, who was a standout player parts of last season, and seemed to have a bright future before the team pushed him down the depth chart. Gadsden won't help in the blocking department, but for being the third TE he already has four catches for 50 yards and a TD this season. His snaps may be limited because of his blocking, but he's back in the mix as a TE option for your lineup and is likely on your waiver wire.

David Njoku (fibula) and Charlie Kolar (forearm) are going on injured reserve, per Jim Harbaugh

The Chargers have one tight end on its active roster.

Related players: Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden's up and down career continues. A highly-valued rookie last year, Gadsden had a nice campaign in 2025 before the team signed Kolar and Njoku this offseason, pushing him down the depth chart. Gadsden scored a touchdown in Week 2 and now looks to be the TE1 - at least for the next four weeks. He'll likely be targeted a lot this week on the wire.

McConkey remained sidelined Thursday because of his rib injury, marking his second consecutive missed practice.

The Chargers have not indicated that McConkey is expected to miss Sunday’s game against Las Vegas, but he will likely need to practice Friday—or receive a particularly encouraging game designation—to avoid carrying substantial Week 2 uncertainty.

Related Players: Justin Herbert, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden

A third consecutive absence would leave McConkey genuinely questionable for Sunday. Johnston and Harris would become the Chargers’ leading wide receiver options if he cannot play, while Njoku could also benefit in the short and intermediate areas. Herbert’s projection would take a hit without his primary receiver.

Chargers WR Ladd McConkey dealing with rib injury

McConkey was getting tests done on Monday and the hope is we know a little more later today. McConkey left the game and didn't return but had a line of 5-82-1.

Oronde Gadsden II emerged as a real pass-catching threat for the Chargers last season, posting 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns. But he won't be able to see the field consistently in McDaniel's offense until he gets more consistent as a blocker.

Related players: David Njoku, Charlie Kolar

The story said if he's able to work on his blocking, the Chargers will have a three-headed monster at the position. It's been quite the fall for Gadsden from when he was a hot commodity at the position last year, especially in dynasty leagues. The Chargers brought in Kolar and Njoku in the offseason, and the story went on to say about Kolar: "if they can unlock his dormant pass-catching skill set this season, [Kolar] has a very clear path to establishing himself as an every-down TE in McDaniel's scheme. That will more than make up for any surprise that came when his contract was first confirmed." The story ranked Kolar as the team's top TE and called Njoku the perfect "middle ground" between Kolar and Gadsden. This will be a situation to watch this season. It seems the Chargers are banking on Kolar's blocking and his pass-catching skills to emerge.