Los Angeles Chargers News

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Oronde Gadsden • TE • Chargers

Oronde Gadsden A Touchdown-Dependent TE3 in Week 6 vs. Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has been a disappointing fantasy tight end in his sophomore season after a productive rookie year. Gadsden is the TE34 in overall scoring, averaging 3.9 points per game. The 23-year-old failed to take advantage of an injury-depleted pass-catching group last week and didn't catch his lone target. However, the Chargers are expected to have both Ladd McConkey (foot) and Quentin Johnston (chest) available this week. As a result, Gadsden enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR TE29 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Gadsden should be viewed as a TE3 and nowhere near fantasy lineups in Week 6.

22 hours ago

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston Off the Fantasy Radar in Week 6 vs. Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston (chest) is off the injury report and will play in his team's Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it is unknown if Johnston will see a snap count on Sunday. Johnston was out last week because of his chest injury but logged two limited practices and finished the week as a full participant. The 25-year-old enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR WR48 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Johnston should be left out of fantasy lineups in Week 6, and he could become a cuttable fantasy player after this week if he produces another dud outing.

22 hours ago

Ladd McConkey • WR • Chargers

Can Ladd McConkey Be Trusted in Week 6 vs. Chiefs?

Los Angeles Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) is off the injury report and will be active for his team's Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, it's unknown if McConkey will be on a snap count on Sunday. McConkey is coming off back-to-back zero-point outings with a limited snap percentage due to a foot injury. The 24-year-old enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR WR39 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this season. In addition, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. McConkey is hard to trust in Week 6 because of a tough matchup and recent foot injuries. As a result, he should be out of fantasy lineups if possible.

22 hours ago

Keaton Mitchell • RB • Chargers

Keaton Mitchell a Risky Deep-League Flex Option in Week 6 vs. Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell has seen his role improve over the last three weeks. The 24-year-old is the PPR RB37 in overall scoring, averaging 6.1 fantasy points per game. Mitchell has nine-plus touches during that stretch and has seen a greater snap percentage than Omarion Hampton over the last two weeks. Mitchell enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR RB36 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest yards per carry this season. The Chiefs' defense has limited big plays on the ground and caps the upside of a big-play running back like Mitchell. In addition, the Chiefs are coming off a bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Mitchell is a risky flex play in deep leagues and should be out of lineups if possible in Week 6.

22 hours ago

Kimani Vidal • RB • Chargers

Will Kimani Vidal be the Chargers' RB1 in Week 6 vs. Chiefs?

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has seen his role grow over the last two weeks. Vidal has seen the same or a higher snap percentage than Omarion Hampton during this stretch. As a result, Vidal has scored 10-plus points and finished inside the top 26 fantasy running backs in back-to-back weeks. The 25-year-old has forced the Chargers into a three-man running back committee, capping the ceiling for all the backs as reliable fantasy options. Vidal enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR RB41 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest yards per carry this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Vidal might lead the Chargers' backfield in Week 6, but he shouldn't be in fantasy lineups.

22 hours ago

Omarion Hampton • RB • Chargers

Omarion Hampton a Risky Flex Option in Week 6 vs. Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has become a borderline flex starter in all league formats. Over five weeks, Hampton is the PPR RB23 in overall scoring, averaging 9.4 fantasy points per game. The 23-year-old has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy player and has seen his role diminish over the last three weeks. Hampton enters Week 6 as RotoBaller's PPR RB28 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest yards per carry this season. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them a week of rest and extra time to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Hampton is a risky flex play and will likely need to find the end zone to be a viable fantasy option in Week 6.

22 hours ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Justin Herbert Hard to Trust in Week 6 vs. Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has become unplayable in one-quarterback fantasy football leagues. Herbert's the QB25 in overall scoring and is averaging 12.1 points per game through five weeks. He hasn't scored over 15 points in a single game and is coming off back-to-back performances under 12 fantasy points. Entering Week 6, Herbert is RotoBaller's QB25 in a tough matchup against division rival Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the second-fewest passing yards and passing touchdowns, while surrendering one passing touchdown and forcing one interception per game. Additionally, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week, giving them an extra week to game plan for a struggling Chargers offense. Herbert should be out of lineups in all fantasy league formats in a tough Week 6 matchup.

22 hours ago

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston Will Play in Week 6, Could Face Snap Count

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) is off the injury report and will play in his team's Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, when asked about a potential snap count for Johnston, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh replied, "I don't know," per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. Johnston has had a rough season even when he's been healthy so far in 2026, recording seven catches for 108 yards on 19 targets across four games. He could have a chance to play a significant role in the Chargers' passing game in Week 6, as fellow wideout Tre' Harris (hamstring) has been ruled out and Ladd McConkey (foot) is playing through a foot injury. Still, Johnston remains extremely difficult for fantasy managers to trust as a starter against the tough Chiefs defense.

Yesterday

Tre' Harris • WR • Chargers

Tre' Harris Ruled Out for Week 6

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris (hamstring) has been ruled out for his team's Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Harris suffered the injury during the Chargers' Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos. The 24-year-old has flashed upside to this point in 2026, recording 15 catches for 225 yards on 25 targets across five games. However, fantasy managers will now have to wait until at least Week 8 to play him, as the Chargers have their bye in Week 7. While Harris is sidelined against Kansas City, Los Angeles wideouts Ladd McConkey (foot) and Quentin Johnston (chest) are both active and should be the lead options in the passing game for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

Yesterday

Ladd McConkey • WR • Chargers

Ladd McConkey Off the Injury Report for Week 6, Could Be on a Snap Count

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is off the injury report and will be active for his team's Week 6 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged Podcast. However, when asked whether McConkey will be on a snap count, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said, "I don't know." McConkey was active for the Chargers' Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, but did not play a single snap. The 24-year-old has battled multiple injury issues so far in 2026, recording 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across four games. While McConkey has a chance to be productive against Kansas City, his uncertain health status and the Chargers' struggling offense make him a very risky start for fantasy managers in Week 6.

Yesterday

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston is Becoming Cut Candidate After Slow Start

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) is hopeful to get back on the field in Week 6, but he hasn't been much of a fantasy option anyway. During his four games this season, Johnston has recorded seven receptions for 108 receiving yards with zero touchdowns. The Chargers' offense has struggled as a whole, but Johnston is giving almost zero value right now. The 25-year-old isn't a must drop player, but fantasy managers in 12-team standard leagues should begin looking for another option. The Chargers play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, and then they have a bye in Week 7. It's unlikely that Johnston is going to offer fantasy managers much of anything over the next two weeks.

3 days ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Justin Herbert No Longer a Must-Roster Quarterback

After logging 3,727 passing yards, 498 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was widely viewed by fantasy managers as a no-doubt top-12 quarterback entering 2026. However, the 28-year-old has played some of the worst football of his career through the first five weeks of the season, completing just 59.4% of his pass attempts for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Chargers offense has also collapsed around Herbert. In Week 5, Los Angeles was without tackles Joe Alt (neck) and Rashawn Slater (ankle), as well as wide receivers Ladd McConkey (foot), Quentin Johnston (chest), and Brenen Thompson (quad). Between his own struggles and the situation around him, Herbert is no longer a must-roster player for fantasy managers.

3 days ago

Omarion Hampton • RB • Chargers

Omarion Hampton's Snap Count "Hard to Predict"

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that it's "hard to predict how many a player is going to get" when asked about running back Omarion Hampton's declining snap count, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. Across five games so far in 2026, Hampton has recorded 73 carries for 231 yards and three touchdowns. However, his workload has decreased in recent weeks as the Chargers have gotten fellow running backs Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell more involved in the team's offense. After leading the team in running back snaps in each of the first three weeks, Hampton has now played the same number of snaps as, or fewer than, both Vidal and Mitchell in two straight contests. Between his uncertain workload and the Chargers' overall issues on offense this season, Hampton is becoming increasingly difficult for fantasy managers to trust.

3 days ago

Ladd McConkey • WR • Chargers

Ladd McConkey Practicing on Wednesday

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) will practice on Wednesday, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. McConkey is battling a foot injury and was active for the Chargers' Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, but did not play a single snap. As such, McConkey's practice status this week does not guarantee that he will be back in action in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, it's a positive sign that the 24-year-old is continuing to work his way towards a return to the field. McConkey has been Los Angeles' most productive pass-catcher so far this season, recording 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across four games. If healthy, he profiles as a flex option in three-wide receiver league formats in Week 6.

3 days ago

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston a Possible Trade Candidate to Watch

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) could be a trade candidate to watch at this season's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Johnston was involved in trade discussions in the offseason, and with the Chargers 0-5, they could revisit those talks soon. The fourth-year receiver has caught just seven of 19 targets for 108 yards in four games this season, which is on pace for a major regression compared with his 2024 and 2025 seasons. The team could also save $16 million next season if they trade the former first-round pick before June 1st. While possible landing spots are unclear at this point, fantasy managers should prepare for a trade involving the receiver.

4 days ago

JuJu Smith-Schuster • WR • Chargers

Chargers Work Out JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday

The Los Angeles Chargers worked out free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Quentin Johnston (chest) missed the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, and although Ladd McConkey (foot) was active, he was only available in an emergency situation and did not play a single offensive snap. Injuries to the wideout position continued in Sunday's loss, too, as Tre' Harris left with a hamstring injury and did not return. He is considered week-to-week with a Week 7 divisional tilt on the road coming this Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. With all of the injuries at the position, tight end Charlie Kolar led the Bolts in receiving in the 23-17 loss to Denver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. were forced into significant snaps last weekend and could be forced to do so again if Harris and Johnston do not play. The 29-year-old Smith-Schuster continues to look for another chance to play in 2026, and it could come in L.A. The former Pro Bowler in 2018 played in 17 games (12 starts) with the Chiefs last year and caught 33 of 45 targets for 345 yards and one touchdown. Smith-Schuster becoming fantasy-relevant in standard 12-team fantasy leagues is likely a long shot if he lands in L.A.

4 days ago

Marquez Valdes-Scantling • WR • Chargers

Marquez Valdes-Scantling a Deep-League Waiver Option

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling could see another substantial snap share in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, although his fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper leagues. With Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, Ladd McConkey (foot) available only for emergencies, and Tre' Harris (hamstring) exiting early, Valdes-Scantling played 75% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's 23-17 loss to Denver. Despite the expanded playing time, he caught just two passes for 22 yards on three targets and has only five targets across three appearances this season. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Monday that McConkey could begin working back into the mix this week, while Johnston may remain limited in practice. Valdes-Scantling could continue seeing significant playing time if those injuries persist, but his lack of targets makes him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. Managers in leagues with 14 or more teams can consider him for temporary receiver depth, although there's little incentive to invest heavily in a player who could see his opportunities disappear once the Chargers get healthier. Los Angeles also has a Week 7 bye approaching.

4 days ago

Charlie Kolar • TE • Chargers

Charlie Kolar Isn't a Priority Add Despite Leading Chargers in Receiving

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar returned from a fractured forearm to lead the team with 37 receiving yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, although his performance wasn't without problems. Kolar caught three of four targets, but lost a fumble following a 19-yard reception on Los Angeles' opening possession that helped set up Denver's first touchdown. The veteran has now caught six passes for 58 yards without a touchdown across three appearances this season. His increased involvement came with Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, leaving the Chargers short on receiving options. David Njoku remains on injured reserve, although Oronde Gadsden II continues to compete for playing time, and Hayden Rucci caught the team's lone passing touchdown against Denver. Kolar has an opportunity to build on Sunday's production against Kansas City in Week 6, but his limited receiving history makes him difficult to trust. Rostered in just 1% of leagues, he's an emergency streaming consideration in 14-team formats, particularly with the Chargers heading into their Week 7 bye.

4 days ago

Kimani Vidal • RB • Chargers

Kimani Vidal a Stash-Worthy Waiver Target Whose Role Continues to Expand

After a Week 4 touchdown reception against the Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal recorded his first score on the ground in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, and he has legitimate stash appeal on this week's waiver wire. For the second week in a row, the Chargers deployed a near-even three-way split between Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell, with Vidal actually leading the group with 28 offensive snaps. His 42-yard touchdown run helped him to finish with 57 rushing yards and a 7.1-yard-per-carry average on his eight attempts. While he still isn't seeing enough work to be a reliable weekly start, Vidal has been the team's most efficient runner on a limited sample size, racking up yards after contact. With Hampton disappointing through five weeks, and Vidal possessing multiple potential paths to an expanded workload, he's become a player worthy of an end-of-bench stash in deeper leagues.

4 days ago

Keaton Mitchell • RB • Chargers

Keaton Mitchell Remains a Long-term Stash Despite a Quiet Week

Despite modest results in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell remains heavily involved in what has been arguably the league's most disappointing offense, pointing to potentially brighter days ahead. For the second week in a row, the Chargers leaned on a three-way backfield split, with Mitchell, Omarion Hampton, and Kimani Vidal all seeing the field for at least 20 snaps, and each seeing at least nine opportunities. Vidal, while still the least utilized, has been the team's most efficient runner, but Mitchell remains the designated passing back, with his 14 targets through five weeks more than doubling the combined total of the other two. While the current split makes none of the Chargers' backs a reliable weekly start, Mitchell's big-play ability, coupled with multiple paths to an expanded workload, makes him a must-roster player and a waiver stash to target wherever he's still available.

4 days ago

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