As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for a crucial Week 4 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, the injury report is casting a long shadow over their plans. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team has listed five players as questionable, including star safety Derwin James and rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The news comes just two days before kickoff, leaving fans and fantasy managers alike on edge.
McConkey’s Foot Injury Raises Concerns
McConkey, the Chargers’ second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has quickly become a favorite target for quarterback Justin Herbert. However, a foot injury forced him to sit out Thursday’s practice, and while he returned on Friday, ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported that McConkey did not run routes or warm up with the other receivers during the portion open to the media. This limited participation suggests the team is being cautious with their young playmaker, but his availability for Sunday remains uncertain. If McConkey can’t go, expect Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston to see increased targets.
Derwin James: No Cast, But Still Questionable
Derwin James, the heart and soul of the Chargers’ defense, is dealing with a fractured pinky finger that required a cast in last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, James told reporters this week that he would not wear the cast against the Seahawks, a sign of his toughness and determination. However, he is still listed as questionable, and his presence on the field would be a massive boost for a secondary that will also be without Elijah Molden, who is questionable after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. Molden returned to practice this week, but his status is up in the air.
Secondary Depth Tested
In addition to James and Molden, cornerback Donte Jackson is questionable with a concussion suffered against the Bills. Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice but returned in a limited fashion on Thursday and Friday, putting him in the NFL’s concussion protocol. If he can’t play, the Chargers will rely on Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor to step up. The Seahawks boast a talented receiving corps led by DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, so the Chargers’ secondary will need all hands on deck.
Other Injuries: Awosika, Kolar, Tomlinson Out
The Chargers will definitely be without offensive guard Kayode Awosika, tight end Charlie Kolar, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, all of whom are out for the second consecutive game. Awosika and Tomlinson suffered injuries against the Raiders in Week 2, while Kolar underwent surgery to repair a broken forearm. The good news is that Kolar returned to practice on Friday for the first time since the surgery, a positive step toward his eventual return. In the meantime, the Chargers will need reserves like Jamaree Salyer and Morgan Fox to fill the void.
What It Means for Sunday
The Chargers are already navigating a tough AFC West race, and a victory over the Seahawks is crucial to keep pace. Head coach Jim Harbaugh will need to game-plan around these injuries, potentially leaning on a run-heavy attack with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to control the clock. Defensively, if James and Molden can’t go, the Chargers might deploy more three-safety looks with Alohi Gilman and JT Woods. As highlighted on Vulius, the team’s depth will be tested in a big way. Kickoff is set for 1:05 PM PT at SoFi Stadium, and the Chargers’ injury report will be one of the biggest storylines to watch.
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