Los Angeles

Chargers

Immediately after the Chargers’ second play from scrimmage, the broadcast booth announced that McConkey experienced back spasms during pre-game warmups, describing the announcement as a “developing” story. It is unclear why this wasn’t announced pre-game, but here we are. Hopefully, McConkey can take the field at some point, but he could end up missing the contest. Stay tuned.

Njoku entered the contest listed as doubtful, although he practiced in a limited capacity all week. He might be able to return next week, but he does not need to be added in 12-team leagues. The Chargers declared LG Kayode Awosika (fibula), S Kendall Williamson (calf), CB Deane Leonard (concussion), WR Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring) and WR Theo Wease inactive for Week 9 against the Texans.

Despite the Chargers being 0-7, Los Angeles isn’t acting like it. Mack is 35, on an expiring contract and seeming could garner an early day-three pick in a trade. Still, the Chargers are content to keep Mack, who Schefter says won’t be going anywhere prior to the trade deadline.

Fowler said he spoke to multiple executives around the league this week, and the general sentiment is that the Chargers are not interested in making any moves. Fowler wonders aloud whether Khalil Mack, who has generated “a lot of interest,” could be had for a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Mack, 35, certainly makes sense for contending teams. The 0-7 Chargers do not qualify as such.

Njoku was limited all week, though he apparently is not ready to return from injured reserve. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team formats. The Chargers will likely employ a three-player rotation whenever he returns.

Njoku’s return is probably a good thing for the offense as a whole, but the Chargers’ tight end rotation makes for a fantasy-unfriendly situation. Njoku does not need to be rostered in 12-team formats. Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring) remains sidelined.

Harbaugh reportedly made comments to this effect earlier in the week. When asked for his thoughts on the matter, OC Mike McDaniel said he is “excited about someone dictating the rotation” and added that Hampton has “had a really great week of prep.” Hampton hasn’t scored double-digit half-PPR points since Week 4. Whether the potential usage increase can get him back to 10.0-plus points remains to be seen, but this week’s comments are at least somewhat encouraging.

Njoku had his practice window opened this week, giving the Chargers 21 days to activate him off injured reserve. He has been out since Week 3 and is now nearing a return, getting in limited work with a fibula injury on Wednesday. WR Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring) was a DNP on Wednesday. Neither Njoku nor Thompson need to be on fantasy rosters just yet.

Njoku has been on the shelf since being placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 3, with the potential to return following five missed games plus the team’s Week 7 bye. The team will have 21 days to activate him from short-term injured reserve, meaning Njoku is not guaranteed to be activated in time for Week 9 against the Texans. Fantasy managers that have held Njoku through his time on injured reserve can continue patiently waiting for his return while those in shallower leagues can consider adding him from waivers before he is activated.

Armour-Davis saw his 2025 season come to an end in Week 17 when he suffered a torn Achilles. The 27-year-old corner has spent the last 11 months rehabbing his injury and is now set to make his return for the winless Chargers. To the surprise of nobody, Armour-Davis is yet another player with ties to a Harbaugh brother, as he began his career playing under John Harbaugh with the Ravens from 2022 to 2024. Now, he’ll have a chance to play under Jim Harbaugh and could see playing time in the coming weeks once he gets up to speed. Armour-Davis allowed 24 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns on 31 targets last season while with the Titans, earning a PFF coverage grade up 49.6.