Derius

Davis

Chargers veteran slot WR Keenan Allen functioned as the offensive focal point this afternoon. Unfortunately, for Lance, Allen mostly ran quick-hitting routes that relied on the 33-year-old to pick up yards after the catch. Chargers rookie WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith is to blame for Lance’s interception, tipping a catchable pass into Broncos slot CB Ja’Quan McMillian’s hands for the pick-six. Lance did a great job evading Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto for much of the game, but Bonitto got the better of Lance late in the game by forcing a fumble with a well-aimed punch. Lance connected with WR Derius Davis for a short touchdown late in the game, but it was called back due to an illegal formation penalty. The 25-year-old backup heads back to the bench for the Chargers’ Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Patriots.

Harris popped up on the injury report with a hip issue, though he still practiced in a limited capacity. The rookie has been used sparingly this season, but did bring in three passes for 49 yards with Quentin Johnston out in Week 15. Harris and Johnston (groin) are both limited Wednesday while WR/KR Derius Davis (ankle) did not practice. The Chargers’ wide receiver depth is mildly banged-up heading into Week 16 against the Cowboys.

Pipkins entered the Chargers’ Week 14 game against the Eagles with a back injury and exited with an ankle injury. When asked if Pipkins, along with WR Derius Davis (ankle) and S Elijah Molden (hamstring), could play after sitting out practice all week, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said only, “we’ll see how the week goes.” Having Pipkins on the field would be extremely helpful for QB Justin Herbert (hand).

Johnston popped up on the injury report with a hamstring issue Wednesday. The 24-year-old is experiencing an electric start to the season but fumbled in a four-catch, 40-yard game in Week 5. The Chargers’ high usage of Johnston has frustrated Ladd McConkey owners so far this season. Should Johnston miss any time or be limited in Week 6, McConkey and Keenan Allen could see an uptick in targets, while rookies KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris would compete for deep routes. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for Johnston’s practice status throughout the week. Meanwhile, WR Derius Davis (knee) was a non-participant in the Chargers’ receiving corps.

Dissly continues to miss time with a knee issue that kept him out for Week 3. Rookie Oronde Gadsden took over at tight end with Dissly sidelined while veteran Tyler Conklin did not catch any of his targets against the Broncos. Fantasy managers should expect another Gadsden boost should Dissly miss Week 4. WR Derius Davis (knee) also missed practice on Wednesday. He is primarily a returner, so there is little impact for fantasy managers if Davis misses time.

Davis is entering his third season as a pro and saw 29 opportunities on offense last season. The former fourth-round pick, who is known for his abilities in the return game, has turned in a solid training camp so far for the Chargers, which included a three-touchdown day in Saturday’s practice, per the Athletic’s Daniel Popper. The praise from Harbaugh could be more camp hype than a signal toward more meaningful snaps in 2025, but it’s worth keeping in mind as we continue to try and dissect how teams could use players heading into the fantasy season.

Davis also tacked on a carry for a loss of three yards. He made a leaping catch on a Justin Herbert throw for a 23-yard touchdown in the first quarter to start off scoring. It was his second career receiving touchdown as he continues to work as a gadget player in addition to being a returner for the Chargers. Davis remains off fantasy radars moving forward.

Davis scored his first first touchdown as a receiver — he picked up a touchdown as a returner in 2023 — on a 19-yard connection with Justin Herbert where he showed good concentration on a tipped pass.. The 24-year-old has yet to pick up more than two catches in a game, and that likely won’t change in Week 17 against the Patriots.

McConkey injured his hip in Week 6, getting in limited practices prior to the Chargers’ Week 7 game against the Cardinals. He starts out this week as a non-participant, leaving the banged-up Chargers receiving corps with Josh Palmer as the likely lead receiver. Given he played last week, McConkey has a chance to return to practice and play against the Saints Week 8. Derius Davis (hamstring) and Quentin Johnston (ankle) also did not practice as Justin Herbert’s pass-catching options dwindle.

If you’re looking for explosive plays after the catch, skip right ahead to Davis’ (5’8/165) final season at TCU. His final receiving line with the Horned Frogs (42-531-5) featured an impressive 401 yards after the catch and an even more impressive 9.5 YAC/REC. With an aDOT of just 7.0 last season, 23 of Davis’ 42 receptions came from behind the line of scrimmage. A slight frame will make it difficult for him to match up against opposing corners at the next level, but TCU put on a clinic of how to best utilize Davis going forward. His explosiveness as a return man will make him a welcomed asset to any special teams unit. During his career, Davis returned 96 kicks and punts, with six of them going for scores.