Team news: Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent imaging on his injured left middle finger, and coach Jim Harbaugh said the tests came back negative for a fracture.

“So he should be good to go,” Harbaugh said Monday, via the Associated Press.

Herbert injured his non-throwing hand on a sack by Logan Hall when the quarterback tried to stiff-arm the defensive lineman with 14:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, the story said. Herbert had his left hand surgically repaired during the 2025 season after breaking a bone in the back of the hand during a Week 13 game, the story also pointed out.

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh announces IR return windows have opened for LB Denzel Perryman and TE David Njoku.

Related Players: Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar, Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris, Quentin Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Justin Herbert

Njoku is a reasonable stash in deeper leagues and for managers piecing together tight end production. He needs activation and evidence of a useful receiving role before becoming a trustworthy streamer. His return would add competition for Gadsden and Kolar, making both harder to trust if the Chargers divide tight end routes. McConkey remains the preferred fantasy receiver in this passing game.

Chargers WR Ladd McConkey was a full participant Wednesday while recovering from a concussion. Tre' Harris returned to practice on a limited basis with a hamstring injury.

Related Players: Quentin Johnston, Theo Wease, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis, Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, Justin Herbert

McConkey would return to the WR3/FLEX conversation if cleared, while Harris is a deeper-league stash until his availability and workload become clearer. If McConkey misses another game, Quentin Johnston would have more FLEX appeal. Getting both receivers back would improve Justin Herbert’s SuperFlex outlook, though Harris’ first practice back is no guarantee of a full Sunday workload.

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.