LaddMcConkey

News: 5 days agoMcConkey did not play in the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday.

Spin: McConkey was joined by Tre' Harris and Quentin Johnston on the sidelines while JaQuae Jackson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and rookie fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson saw the bulk of the wide receiver snaps during Thursday's exhibition game. McConkey saw his production dip from his rookie season to his 2025 sophomore campaign, but his output could rebound in 2026 due to the departure of veteran Keenan Allen and the addition of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McConkey is looking to rebound after falling short of high expectations in 2025. The 2024 second-round pick was terrific as a rookie (82-1,155-7 receiving line and a 12th-place finish among WRs in fantasy points), but dipped to 66-789-6 line and a 30th-place finish last season. Though he ran considerably more routes, saw similar target numbers and was used a lot more near the goal line (seventh among WRs with 12 end zone targets), McConkey's efficiency plummeted, with his catch rate dipping from 74% to 62% and his yards per target from 10.4 to 7.4. The good news is that there's reason for optimism that he'll bounce back, as he has a new playcaller in Mike McDaniel, the Chargers' offense figures to improve with a much healthier line, and Keenan Allen is out of the picture. McConkey, 24, makes for a fine fantasy WR3.