Ladd McConkey's Rib Injury Leaves Chargers Offense Gasping for Air

Rib injuries are the absolute worst, especially for a wide receiver who has to stretch out for passes while a 220-pound safety aims directly for his torso.

According to Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is dealing with a rib injury that will require monitoring throughout the week. His status is officially up in the air for their upcoming divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Ian Rapoport reported McConkey's status is 'up in the air' for next week."

The Chargers' offense is already looking for answers after sputtering out a meager 14 points in a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Losing one of their most reliable route runners is not exactly the spark they need to get things back on track.

Playing through a rib injury as a receiver is like trying to do gymnastics while wearing a corset made of barbed wire. Every breath hurts, let alone taking a hit over the middle. If he does manage to suit up, he is going to be wearing a flak jacket so thick he will look like he is smuggling a couch cushion under his jersey.

The Raiders are coming into this one riding high after a 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. If McConkey sits, the Chargers' passing attack becomes significantly easier to defend, which is exactly the kind of news that makes oddsmakers start aggressively tweaking the total points line.

McConkey will be evaluated daily as the week progresses. Fantasy managers and bettors alike will be refreshing practice reports, but right now, relying on a guy with bruised ribs to save your weekend feels like a massive gamble.