The Chargers could be without two of their biggest stars Sunday, with Ladd McConkey and Derwin James Jr. both listed as questionable. At 0-3, Los Angeles can’t afford to lose either player against a tough Seahawks team.
The Los Angeles Chargers already have plenty of problems heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks. Now, they could be without two of their most important players.
The Chargers released their final injury report Friday and both Ladd McConkey and Derwin James Jr. are listed as questionable. McConkey is dealing with a foot injury while James is dealing with a hamstring injury. Both were limited in Friday’s practice after missing Thursday.
Neither injury guarantees that either player will miss Sunday, but the possibility of losing both is a major concern for a Chargers team that desperately needs to get things turned around.
McConkey’s absence would be especially concerning for an offense that has struggled to consistently move the football through the first three games. He has been the team’s leading receiver, catching 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. Justin Herbert needs all the help he can get right now, and taking away his top target against a talented Seattle defense would make things even more difficult.
The Chargers would still have Tre Harris and Quentin Johnston, but McConkey brings a different element to the offense. His ability to create separation and make plays underneath is important, especially with the offensive line continuing to have its issues.
Then there is James.
The Chargers’ defense has actually been one of the few bright spots early this season. Against Buffalo, the defense forced five turnovers and repeatedly gave the offense opportunities to take control of the game. James is a huge part of that defense and losing him would be a significant blow to a unit that needs to continue creating those game-changing plays.
It is also worth noting that Elijah Molden is questionable with a hamstring injury and Donte Jackson is questionable after dealing with a concussion. That means the Chargers could potentially be without multiple important pieces in the secondary.
The timing could not be worse.
Los Angeles is 0-3 and has already had opportunities to win each of its first three games. The Chargers led Buffalo 10-0 and were still ahead 13-10 entering the fourth quarter before ultimately losing 24-16. Now they travel to Seattle to face a Seahawks team that is 2-1 and coming off a 33-31 loss to Washington.
The Chargers need to find a way to put together a complete game. Doing that without McConkey and James would be much more difficult.
Hopefully, both players are able to go. The Chargers need them.
