2026 Week 8 Fantasy Football: Ladd McConkey Returns, Derwin James Out vs. Rams

Good news for Chargers pass-catchers and a notable loss on defense — according to ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports), Ladd McConkey is off the injury report and ready to play Sunday against the Rams, while safety Derwin James is out with a hamstring injury. Receiver Tre' Harris also cleared the injury report after being limited early in the week. Receiver Brenen Thompson is out with a quad/hamstring issue.

Ladd McConkey

McConkey cleared concussion protocol after logging three full practices this week — that's a clean bill of health heading into Sunday. He's second on the Chargers in receptions (13) and receiving yards (200) through 2026, per the source story. He missed Week 6 with the injury and had the Week 7 bye to recover, so he's had two full weeks off. Start him with confidence — the concern is gone.

Tre' Harris

Harris is also off the injury report after a hamstring scare, per ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports). He was limited Wednesday and Thursday but was a full participant Friday, which is the trajectory you want to see. His status looks clean for Sunday. With both he and McConkey active, the Chargers' receiving room is fuller than it's been in weeks.

Brenen Thompson

Thompson is out with a quad/hamstring injury, per the source story. He won't contribute Sunday. With Thompson sidelined and both McConkey and Harris active, the opportunity that opened during McConkey's absence tightens back up. Quentin Johnston (depth chart No. 2, averaging 4.4 targets per game in five games) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (averaging 9 targets per game in six games, No. 4 on the depth chart) remain in the mix, but Thompson's absence won't significantly move the needle now that the top two are back.