Chargers Activate Ladd McConkey for Broncos Week 5 Game

The Los Angeles Chargers made wide receiver Ladd McConkey active for their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026, despite a foot injury that limited his participation during the week. The decision came as Los Angeles sought to avoid an 0-5 start while dealing with multiple absences on offense and defense, according to reports from NBC Sports and USA Today.

McConkey had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week. Although his activation made him available for the game, USA Today reported that he was not expected to play meaningful snaps. The receiver had recorded 12 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown during the season.

The Chargers also activated Branson Taylor, Scott Matlock and Charlie Kolar, who had each been listed as questionable with injuries. Cornerback Rodney Shelley, who was questionable with a hamstring injury, was inactive, according to the team's announcement reported by the Chargers' official website.

Six players had been ruled out on Friday, including offensive tackle Joe Alt with a neck injury, safety Derwin James with a hamstring injury and cornerback Donte Jackson with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston, offensive lineman Kayode Awosika and wide receiver Brenen Thompson were also unavailable because of injuries.

Trevor Penning, who had been ruled out with a concussion, was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who had an ankle injury, and quarterback Trey Lance, who was dealing with a groin injury, were also placed on injured reserve.

McConkey's availability followed conflicting expectations earlier Sunday. Sports Yahoo and FantasyPros cited reporting from Adam Schefter indicating that the receiver was not expected to play against Denver after missing the week's practices. The Chargers' subsequent inactive announcement confirmed that he would be available, although his expected workload remained limited.

Johnston's absence further reduced the Chargers' available receiving options. With McConkey's health uncertain and Johnston ruled out because of a chest injury in the Chargers' initial announcement, Los Angeles faced limitations in its wide receiver rotation heading into the game.

The Broncos also entered the matchup with significant absences. Cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss were ruled out after injuries in Week 4, while quarterback Sam Ehlinger, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim, offensive lineman Kage Casey and tight end Dallen Bentley were also listed as unavailable, according to NBC Sports.

The Week 5 game was scheduled to kick off at 1:05 p.m. Pacific time at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers entered the contest trying to secure their first win of the season, while Denver arrived with a 2-2 record, according to the reports published before kickoff.