Ladd McConkey injury update: Troubling news emerges on Chargers WR

Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable to return to Sunday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team reported. McConkey was taken back to the locker room to be evaluated for a shoulder injury.

McConkey suffered the injury in the first quarter after he caught a 20-yard pass from quarterback Justin Herbert. As he crossed the sideline he was taken to the ground by Cincinnati safety Geno Stone. McConkey appeared to roll awkwardly on his collarbone and was immediately tended to on the sideline.

A rookie second-round pick out of Georgia, McConkey leads the Chargers with 37 catches for 492 yards and four touchdowns this season. His best game of the year came two weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints when he had six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

If McConkey is unable to return, the Chargers will have to rely more on Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer. Additionally, Jalen Reagor and Derius Davis will likely see more reps than they would in a typical game.

The talented 6-foot receiver was similarly productive at Georgia. In three years in Athens he compiled 119 catches for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran 13 times for 216 yards and four scores, showing some real versatility.

Ladd McConkey also played special teams for the Bulldogs, logging 21 punt returns for 279 yards and a lone kick return for 15 yards.

So far the Chargers offense hasn’t skipped a beat since Ladd McConkey left the game with injury. Herbert has already thrown for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Los Angeles holds a 21-6 lead with just under five minutes to go until halftime.

Thankfully, the receiver eventually returned to the game late in the second quarter and recorded another catch just before the two-minute warning.