Justin Herbert’s Favorite Target Out for Chiefs Matchup
Justin Herbert will have to navigate Sunday’s pivotal AFC West matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs without his favorite target, wide receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey is officially inactive due to knee and shoulder injuries that kept him limited in practice all week and resulted in a questionable designation.
McConkey’s absence is significant, as he has emerged as the club’s WR1, with 81 targets, 58 receptions, and 815 yards this season. He has been especially productive lately, posting three consecutive performances of six-plus receptions and 80-plus receiving yards.
Without McConkey, Herbert will have to spread the ball to other receivers, including Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, tight end Will Dissly, and lesser-used wideouts like Simi Fehoko. The Chargers will also be without their leading rusher, J.K. Dobbins, who went on injured reserve on November 30.
Despite the challenges, the Chargers know what’s at stake in Kansas City. A road win would delay the Chiefs from clinching the division for at least another week, and boost L.A.’s playoff probability to 98%. The Chargers and Chiefs kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.
