McConkey (cracked rib) is "pushing to play" vs. LV

LAC Wide Receiver #15

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McConkey managed a limited session Friday and eventually drew the questionable tag as he attempts to play through a rib injury suffered in Week 1. Considering his value to this team, we would expect him to do what he can to play. That said, fantasy managers find themselves in a pickle with the Chargers not playing until the afternoon portion of games, meaning alternate plans should be in the works over the weekend. McConkey is a locked-in WR2 with WR1 upside, if active.

In other words: He’s not actually practicing. It’s generally good news that McConkey has been spotted near the team, but we’re going to need to see a major turnaround on Friday to do better than a questionable tag for the 2024 second-round pick.

McConkey may miss a little time, but that will be determined in the coming days. The third-year receiver suffered a rib injury in Sunday’s Week 1 loss to the Cardinals and finished the day with 5-82-1 on seven targets. If he’s unable to play in Week 2 against the Raiders, Derius Davis could be in line to take over his role in the slot. Davis ran all nine of his routes from the slot on Sunday against the Cardinals.

McConkey collided with an Arizona defender on an over-the-middle target in the third quarter and stayed down for a while before limping to the blue medical tent. A few minutes later he was being helped to the Chargers locker room. It would seem his day is over after catching five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in his first regular season game under OC Mike McDaniel. Hopefully the oft-injured McConkey doesn’t miss extended time.

Popper believes McConkey’s “versatile skill set” will allow him to function as new OC Mike McDaniel’s passing game “focal point.” McDaniel antagonized defensive coordinators during his time as the Dolphins’ head coach by moving WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around via pre-snap motion. Popper believes McConkey’s 4.39-second 40 speed, shiftiness, hands, route running and post-catch abilities qualify him to serve as McDaniel’s “move piece.” McConkey’s Year 2 flop lurks in the background, but if his mid-tier WR2 best ball ADP carries over to re-draft leagues later this month — or even drops — that could end up looking like quite a bargain at the end of the year.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Kyler Murray (concussion) “is on track” to play in Week 3 against the Bucs.

Schefter added that Murray is expected to clear concussion protocol next week. He was limited throughout practice this week before being ruled out on Friday. Murray made progress through the protocol during the week but couldn’t get the green light before the weekend. Carson Wentz will make one more start. Even with another strong showing, Wentz is all but certain to return to backup duties once Murray is healthy.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Ed Oliver (hip) “has a chance” to play in Week 3 against the Chargers.

He is considered day-to-day. Per Rapoport, Oliver experienced hip spasms during warmups ahead of the Bills’ Week 2 game against the Lions. The Bills ruled him out right at the deadline for inactives. Oliver only appeared in three games last year but still managed three sacks. He logged one TFL and a fumble recovery in Week 1 of this year.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports DJ Moore (shoulder) is considered “day-to-day” and is expected to practice next week.

Moore is believed to have suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 2. He left in the first half after landing on his shoulder and did not return. His status for Week 3 remains up in the air, but an immediate return to practice would be a good sign. He got off to a hot start in Week 1 with 100 yards and a touchdown before being shut out in his brief Week 2 showing. The extra rest between Thursday’s game and Buffalo’s upcoming matchup with the Chargers will hopefully be enough to get more back on the field.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Week 4 is the “more likely” target for Sam Darnold (glute) to return.

Rapoport did note that Darnold is expected to practice in some capacity next week. It sounds like the team will use next week’s sessions to give him an extended ramp-up ahead of Week 4, though a Week 3 return isn’t out of the question. Drew Lock will start this week and probably next week as well. He is in the QB2 mix for Superflex leagues, though managers without a second quarterback spot don’t need to worry about Lock for now.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “the belief is that the first two games would serve as a natural evaluation point” for Deshaun Watson.

The Browns open the year with a two-game road trip before returning to Cleveland for their home opener next week. Watson was a disaster in Week 1, turning the ball over twice while throwing for 205 yards and one score. Another showing like that versus the Bucs this week and he could be sent to the bench. Shedeur Sanders would then draw the start against Carolina in Week 3. It’s unlikely the Browns offense turns things around under Sanders, but things truly cannot get worse than they are right now.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Michael Penix (knee) could play in Week 3 against the Packers.

Per Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Penix is the team’s preferred starter and is nearing a return. Once he is finally ready to suit up, the job is his. They also note that the Falcons won’t cut Tua Tagovailoa, even once the team has four healthy quarterbacks. There is a possibility that a team wants to trade for Tua ahead of the midseason deadline, though we’re skeptical that there’s much of a market for him after this disastrous start to the season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Trey Hendrickson (finger) is “slated to play” in Week 2 against the Saints.

Rapoport notes that Hendruckson broke his finger “into several pieces this week.” Ouch. He will play with a cast on his hand for Week 2 and likely much longer. With Hendrickson available, the Ravens’ defense is one of the better fantasy options versus a pass-happy Saints offense this week.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Chris Jones (calf) “should be good to go” for Week 2 against the Colts.

Jones was limited in practice throughout the week, though it was likely little more than maintenance for the NFL veteran. The Chiefs are also expected to have first-round rookie Mansoor Delane available for Sunday Night Football.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Chase Young (calf) is expected to play in Week 2 against the Ravens.

Young experienced some soreness in his calf during the week and left Thursday’s practice early. His departure was considered precautionary, though the team ultimately listed him as questionable for Week 2 on Friday. Having Young available is a good start for a Saints defense trying to slow down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

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