Tre Harris held to two catches in Week 5 loss

He did not practice this week and Jim Harbaugh called him “week to week.” Harris stands a chance at returning after Los Angeles’ Week 7 bye.

Harris will probably have a real chance to play in Week 8, after the Chargers’ Week 7 bye. He thudded to a 16-yard outing in his big chance last week with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey out and doesn’t necessarily need to be rostered if you’re in a bye week crunch.

McConkey did not practice at all this week but was still given a questionable tag on Friday. He was always a long-shot to play after aggravating his foot injury in Week 4. With Quentin Johnston out this week as well, Tre’ Harris will be Justin Herbert’s No. 1 receiver. That puts him in the WR3 mix despite the Chargers’ dismal offensive performance through four weeks.

Johnston got in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, so it was surprising to see him sent straight to “not playing.” Tre’ Harris figures to step in as Los Angeles’ top outside receiver by snaps this week and is a worthwhile FLEX play, even against a formidable Broncos defense.

Johnston and TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) both remained limited today, though WR Brenen Thompson (quad) downgraded. He did not practice, nor did Ladd McConkey (foot). Tre’ Harris could end up being the Chargers’ No. 1 wide receiver, but he would only be a FLEX against the Broncos.

For the second straight week, Harris finished with the most receiving yards on the day for the Chargers. For the second straight week — and fourth week in a row for Los Angeles — it wasn’t enough. If Ladd McConkey (foot) is unable to go, Harris will be the top target again in Week 5 against the Broncos, but against that tough group, he can’t be treated as more than a FLEX option.

This is the second game in a row that Harris has led the Chargers in receiving, but this was not simply because of one catch, like last week. Harris looked good in this one, making a few nice hands catches and showing some ability to gain yards after the catch. He only ran a route on 27 of the team’s 43 dropbacks, but with the team now 0-3, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chargers try to get Harris involved more next week against the Seahawks. Even if he doesn’t produce in a tough matchup, he’s worth a bench stash in most league types.

Harris broke free for a 53-yard strike early in the second half. He nearly took it to the house but was pushed out of bounds at the five-yard line, setting up an eventual Oronde Gadsden touchdown. Harris wasn’t heavily involved in the Bolts’ passing attack despite Ladd McConkey being hampered by a rib injury. With McConkey presumably getting healthier for Week 3, Harris is deep in the WR6/7 range for his upcoming matchup with Buffalo.

Harris saw a boost in playing time with Ladd McConkey sidelined with a chest injury. Most of Harris’ looks from Justin Herbert were of the short-area variety; he averaged 7.5 air yards per target and averaged 2.9 yards after contact per reception. Harris could have some draw in deeper leagues if McConkey misses time. The Chargers have a favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Raiders.

Harris missed a few practices last week with an undisclosed injury, and the team kept him inactive for Thursday’s preseason game against the 49ers. Reports on the matter have been sparse, but it appears as though Saturday’s limited session was his first action since the week prior. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Harris snagged “a bunch of catches” before exiting team drills and spent “most of the day” working off to the side with Chargers trainers. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has viewed Chargers WR Quentin Johnston as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver. Harris is attempting to unseat him, yet would still warrant a late-round fantasy draft pick even if he begins the season in his current No. 3 role.