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Many people likely expected the Los Angeles Chargers to pick up a relatively easy win on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals to start the new NFL season. But the Cardinals had other ideas.
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They took a 13-7 lead at halftime, and as they clung to a 16-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, they blocked a Los Angeles punt and scored a touchdown soon afterward to make it a two-possession game.
To make matters worse for Los Angeles, two of its wide receivers left the game and are questionable to return.
Injury concerns mount for the Bolts
Ladd McConkey, one of the team’s biggest threats offensively, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith both exited the field. Both are questionable to return, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.
McConkey has a chest injury, while Lambert-Smith has a hamstring injury.
McConkey is in his third NFL season out of the University of Georgia. He was a second-round draft pick in 2024, and as a rookie, he caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Last year, he logged 789 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 66 catches.
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On Sunday, he had five receptions for 82 yards and the Chargers’ lone receiving touchdown.
The Chargers were already without offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz, who was supposed to start at center this season. They had signed the former Pro Bowler to a three-year, $30 million contract during the offseason.
Inside linebacker Denzel Perryman is also out with a left knee injury. He will miss at least the first four games of this season after being placed on injured reserve.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 4:19 PM.