{
  "id": 8120476,
  "title": "Justin Herbert dealt huge blow after Chargers’ Ladd McConkey injury update",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/justin-herbert-dealt-huge-blow-after-chargers-ladd-mcconkey-injury",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T22:52:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/justin-herbert-dealt-huge-blow-225254184.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a significant setback in their 2026 NFL season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 209 yards and a touchdown but struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was a key contributor, catching five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown before suffering a rib injury that forced him to leave the game. McConkey's absence has left Herbert with fewer reliable targets as the Chargers attempt to close the gap in the AFC West. McConkey did not practice on Thursday due to his injury, marking his second straight missed practice. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that McConkey is unlikely to play in Sunday's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. The latest update came after head coach Jim Harbaugh described McConkey's injury status as day-to-day since the season opener. With McConkey out, Herbert will need to rely more heavily on other receivers, such as Quentin Johnston and Tre'Harris, while veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling will join the practice squad to bolster the receiving corps. The Chargers will need to improve their offensive performance after scoring just 14 points against the Cardinals, as they seek to rebound from a disappointing start to the season.",
  "summary": "Justin Herbert could lose Ladd McConkey for Week 2 after the Chargers receiver missed a second straight practice with a rib injury.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}