Dr. Ramos and Zach Bye discuss Ladd McConkey’s injury

The Chargers wide receiver left Sunday's loss to the Cardinals with a "chest injury," but what does that mean short-term and for Week 5 against the Broncos?

BY DENVERSPORTS.COM STAFF

Sep 15, 2026, 9:36 PM

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Watch: Dr. Ramos & Zach Bye discuss Ladd McConkey | Injury Insights | 1 min

Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey took a huge hit across the middle of the field on Sunday, leaving the gmae against the Cardinals with what was initially listed simply as a chest injury. But what could that designation actually mean?

Dr. Ramos breaks down the play, explainin why the location and force of the impact raised concerns. McConkey was stretched out when he absorbed the hit to the left posterior-lateral chest wall, an area where NFL receivers can be vulnerable because of the limited padding they typically wear.

The discussion examines several possible injuries:

• Rib contusion: Potentially the least serious scenario and one that could mean a relatively short absence.
• Rib fracture: Could require additional recovery time and protection.
• Intercostal muscle injury: Damage between the ribs that can make running, twisting, and taking contact painful.
• Spleen injury: A more serious concern given the location of the impact.
• Kidney injury: Another possibility when a hard blow lands in the left side/back region.

Dr. Ramos explains why the Chargers’ description of the injury as simply a “chest injury” doesn’t reveal exactly which structure was affected. He also discusses what McConkey’s ability to walk off the field could indicate, while emphasizing that the severity ultimately depends on the underlying injury.

With a Week 5 matchup against the Broncos on the horizon, the big question is whether McConkey can return in time and whether he’ll be able to play at his normal level if he needs additional rib protection such as a flak jacket.

Watch the full breakdown as Dr. Ramos dissects the hit, the anatomy involved, the potential injury scenarios, and what McConkey’s recovery could mean for the Chargers.