LaddMcConkey

News: 1 day agoAfter not playing in the Chargers' preseason opener, McConkey (undisclosed) is expected to play in Saturday's exhibition against the Cowboys, Gavino Borquez of USA Today reports.

Spin: McConkey dressed but didn't play last week, but that's expected to change this weekend after the rookie returned to full practice this week. He's expected to handle a starting role for the Chargers in 2024, but Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark and Quentin Johnston are also in the mix for snaps.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Though Puka Nacua did it just last season, it's not common historically that a second-day draft pick emerges as his team's go-to receiver. McConkey has a very real chance to do just that, considering the team's aggressive move to trade up for him at No. 34 overall, addressing what was an especially weak spot on the team. He's a polished route-runner who, despite a disappointing and injury-limited senior season at Georgia, excelled at the combine (4.39 40 time), a reminder of his elite speed and quickness. Expect McConkey to get an extended look during the preseason, with a high probability of emerging as Justin Herbert's preferred target before the 2024 season concludes. There's WR3 upside here.