Justin Herbert will be without his favorite target in a crucial AFC West game against the Chiefs.

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey is officially inactive for Sunday’s main game against Kansas City because of knee and shoulder injuries that limited him in practice all week and led to a questionable call.

McConkey’s absence is significant for Los Angeles, as he gradually improved in his first season and emerged as the club’s WR1. His team-leading 81 targets led to 58 receptions and 815 yards – 401 more than Joshua Palmer, who contributed the second-most yards. One of only two Chargers to score multiple touchdowns this year, his four points trail only Quentin Johnston’s six.

The rookie has also been particularly successful lately, posting three consecutive performances with six-plus receptions and 80-plus receiving yards.

With a premium safety valve and his best chain player, Herbert must instead distribute the ball to the aforementioned Palmer and Johnston, tight end Will Dissly, and underused wideouts like Simi Fehoko.

Finding momentum against Kansas City’s defense could be a tall order considering LA is also without its leading rusher JK Dobbins, who went on injured reserve on November 30. Without Dobbins, the Chargers managed just 56 rushing yards against the Falcons last week. their second worst performance this season. As for the passing game, Herbert only threw for 147 yards (with a net of 131), 117 of which went to the now-missing McConkey.

Still, Jim Harbaugh’s broken team knows what’s at stake in Kansas City.

A road win would delay the Chiefs winning the division for at least another week – not to mention increase LA’s playoff probability to 98%.

The Chargers (8-4) and Chiefs (11-1) kick off on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.