Ladd McConkey Active for Chargers vs. Rams Today

Ladd McConkey is good to go. The Chargers receiver is active for today's game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, which kicks off at 1:05 PM PT (4:05 PM ET), after he was cleared from his concussion and taken off the injury report, ESPN fantasy analyst Michael Florio reported.

The Chargers need every weapon they have. They come out of their bye at 0-6, the only winless team in the NFL and the league's lowest-scoring offense. Getting Justin Herbert his best route runner back is step one of any turnaround.

A Rough Season for McConkey So Far

McConkey has played only one full game this season, and the numbers show it. Through five games he has 13 catches on 18 targets for 200 yards and one touchdown, per his ESPN game log. His best day was Week 1 against Arizona with five catches for 82 yards and a score. His last appearance, against Kansas City, produced one catch for 17 yards.

When he does catch it, he makes it count. That is better than 15 yards a catch, and Herbert has been desperate for someone who can win quickly. He has already been sacked 21 times this season, according to the AP.

What Changed During the Bye

Jim Harbaugh said the staff turned over every stone during the week off. Mike McDaniel is still calling the offense, and Herbert said he spent a lot of time meeting with him. The Rams get the first look at whatever new wrinkles came out of that.

Los Angeles is not exactly rolling either at 3-4, but it has the league's most productive offense by yardage and just beat the Raiders behind 90-yard rushing days from both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Sean McVay is not buying the record. "I see a team that's really good," he said of the Chargers. "They've had a chance to win a lot of these games."

Should You Trust Him?

Florio has McConkey as a WR3 with some volatility because of how this offense has played, which feels right. The talent is there, the production has not been.

My Smacktok lean: go higher on McConkey's receiving yards today. He is averaging more than 15 yards per catch and Herbert needs a quick target against that pressure. If the Chargers are going to finally get a win, he is the guy who has to make it happen.