According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, this makes much sense. “Khalil Mack to Chicago is something multiple league sources told me makes the most sense if both teams continue on their respective trajectories,” Jones said.

Mack is on an expiring contract, and it would take the Bears approximately $5 million -$6 million in cap space to take him on. They have $9 million available, and they desperately need a pass rush. Meanwhile, the Chargers are deep in a crisis.

Why it makes sense for the Bears to bring Mack back?

Macks is a cheap option with high upside. Even if he is 35 years old, Mack is still a force to be reckoned with. In 2026 alone, he has three sacks already, alongside with five quarterback hits. Despite the Chargers being 0-4, Mack has been a bright spot.

Meanwhile, Chicago is ninth on sacks this season with 10. However, no player on the Bears has more sacks than Mack as of now. Mack played for Chicago for four seasons (2018-2021), where he racked up 36 sacks.

The Bears are going for it all

The Bears are in win now mode. Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams, and a plethora of top-tier skill players in rookie deals is the recipe for a Super Bowl, at least for the Bears. Hence, adding an experienced, still productive pass rusher like Mack might be the icing on the cake.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Jones reported that returning Khalil Mack to Chicago makes the most sense.
• Acquiring Mack would cost Chicago approximately $5 million to $6 million in cap space.
• Khalil Mack recorded 36 sacks during his four-season tenure with the Bears.

McDaniel is aware of this pressure, and even if Harbaugh admitted that McDaniel’s job is not in jeopardy, the OC knows that if things don’t improve, things can change.

“When you have high expectations and you’re getting the results we’re getting and you’re 0-4, that’s pretty standard operating procedure,” McDaniel said. He then added, “I would be foolish, or I would feel entitled, if I didn’t expect there to be disappointment. And so, if you want things to change and you want narratives to change, you have to change them through action collectively. If our results are better, that’s the only thing that matters.”

McDaniel’s stock in the NFL is at an all-time low

When McDaniel was hired as the Miami Dolphins head coach, everyone was hyped as he is a Kyle Shanahan protégé. The first couple of seasons were good, but then, results started to dim and he lost the locker room.

However, when the Chargers hired him, he was undoubtedly the best option as he was still viewed as an offensive mastermind. The Chargers are averaging a poor 16.8 points per game, which ranks 29th in the NFL.

The talent is there to lift the offense

When you look at Justin Herbert at the quarterback position, he is an elite talent. Ladd McConkey has proven in his rookie year (2024) that he can definitely be a WR1 on a team, and Omarion Hampton is a very talented back. Hence, it’s up to McDaniel to actually find a way to make them put points on the board.

Key takeaways

• The Los Angeles Chargers started their season 0-4 despite high preseason expectations.
• Mike McDaniel acknowledged his job pressure after the team’s disappointing start.
• The Chargers average 16.8 points per game, ranking 29th in the NFL.

ESPN Chargers insider Kris Rhim fired off a lengthy question that struck a nerve with Harbaugh. Rhim clearly questioned why Herbert still has to play “Superman” for the Bolts to win, prompting Harbaugh to defend his quarterback.

“Yeah, that just sounds more like an insult than it does a question, but if that’s the way you look at it,” Harbaugh began. He then described Herbert’s grit based on what he’s seen, despite the media criticism.

“I’m saying that it’s the kind of competitor that he is where I’ve never seen him flinch. I’ve never seen him rattled,” Harbaugh added. “He’s an amazing inspiration and that’s what we do. We all feed off of that. I know the entire team does.”

Herbert’s performance

Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, but he was sacked four times during the game. He could have suffered a fifth sack had DeMarcus Lawrence not hit Herbert too low on a play, allowing the quarterback to escape. He also threw two interceptions in the contest, one of which occurred while under pressure.

Under pressure, Herbert completed 7 of 13 passes for 101 yards, an impressive figure given that he “was pressured on 55 percent of his dropbacks, the second-highest pressure rate he has faced since the start of last season,” according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Offensive linemen Cole Strange and Jake Slaughter each allowed six pressures on the quarterback.

Herbert has been sacked 12 times in four games, tying the league mark. This raises questions about his performance, following inconsistencies and a lack of execution with the ball.

Performance has not improved under Harbaugh

One detail is that Herbert has dealt with the most sacks, being the second-most-sacked quarterback in the NFL in the last two seasons combined, with the number being a staggering 95. This stat makes more sense, as Harbaugh was hired in 2024, with the sacks stat continuously increasing since then.

Key takeaways

• An 0-4 record leaves the Los Angeles Chargers winless following a Week 4 loss.
• 19 of 31 passes were completed by Justin Herbert for 189 yards against Seattle.
• 95 sacks over two combined seasons rank as second-most in the league.

“It was one of the grittiest performances I’ve ever been associated with from a quarterback,” Harbaugh said to the press after losing vs Seattle Seahawks. “When I say the fight out of our entire team was good, I think that’s epitomized by Justin. There’s no player I’ve ever coached that I respect more, or love the way he competes more, than Justin Herbert.”

Harbaugh has already predicted that Herbert could become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and now it is time for him to prove it. Unfortunately for the QB, things have not been going his way, but his coach appreciates the attitude he has shown throughout the situation.

“The grit, the competitiveness, the fight, the skill is what I admire,” Harbaugh also added. “We’ll take this team and keep fighting. Keep fighting, keep growing, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Things aren’t going the Chargers’ way

The Chargers have stumbled out of the gate in 2026, dropping their first four regular-season games to the Arizona Cardinals (26-14), Las Vegas Raiders (26-14), Buffalo Bills (24-16), and Seattle Seahawks (30-23). Amid the team’s early struggles, Justin Herbert has completed 71 of 119 passes (59.7%) for 816 yards, throwing 4 touchdowns against 6 interceptions.

While he has added 88 yards on the ground across 18 carries, turning over the ball six times total (including a lost fumble) and suffering 12 sacks through four weeks has kept Herbert and the Chargers’ offense from finding any consistent rhythm.

What’s next for LA?

The Los Angeles Chargers will look to get their season back on track over their next three matchups. On top of their struggles on the field, this team also faces one of the toughest schedules in the league.

• Week 5: vs Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) – Sunday, October 11, 2026
• Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO) – Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Week 7: Bye Week
• Week 8: at Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) – Sunday, November 1, 2026

Key takeaways

• Winless 0-4 start marks the Los Angeles Chargers’ ongoing regular season struggles.
• Jim Harbaugh praised Justin Herbert for delivering one of his grittiest quarterback performances.
• 816 passing yards and four touchdowns reflect Herbert’s statistical output through four games.

Entering Week 4 of the NFL at Lumen Field, the Chargers need all hands on deck to pull off an improbable win over the Seahawks. Thus, the fact that McConkey (foot) was listed as questionable was far from ideal. However, reports pointed in the right direction, and Justin Herbert will have his favorite weapon available in the Emerald City.

“Ladd McConkey is likely to play today after battling a foot injury all week,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported on his X account. “Chargers WR Ladd McConkey is active,” Adam Schefter has now confirmed.

McConkey’s stats in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, McConkey has played in all three games for Los Angeles, and he will make it four in a row in Week 4. He’s been Herbert’s number-one weapon and the leading receiver for the Bolts, though it hasn’t amounted to much as the Chargers started the season 0-3 for the first time since 2017.

McConkey tallies 12 receptions (15 targets) for 183 yards and a touchdown. If he couldn’t play against the Seahawks, the die may have been cast for the Chargers, who were already staring at a steep climb in the Emerald City—and still are even with McConkey active.

McConkey will suit up for the Bolts against the Hawks, and his fantasy football projections show just that. According to ESPN’s app, the wide receiver out of Georgia is projected to put up 11.75 points (PPR) against Seattle. So far, he’s had 19.2, 6.5, and 10.6 points in the first three weeks, respectively.

Players who could be in for bigger roles

Tre’ Harris proved to be the next-best option for the Bolts when McConkey isn’t available, and he may remain that way against the Seahawks’ elite defense. In fact, Harris has had more targets than McConkey in 2026 (17), but he’s made less out of them, catching 10 for 149 yards.

Pass-catchers like Oronde Gadsen and Quentin Johnson are two options offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel would like to get more involved, but they are off to slow starts in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Ladd McConkey is active for Chargers vs Seahawks in Week 4.
• Ian Rapoport reported Ladd McConkey was likely to play despite a foot injury.
• Totaled 12 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown through three games.

Price initially suffered the injury during Seattle’s Week 2 win over the Arizona Cardinals but was able to return and play against Washington in Week 3. However, he aggravated the issue during Wednesday’s practice and subsequently missed Thursday and Friday, leading the Seahawks to make the decision to place him on injured reserve.

The move means Price will miss at least four games, creating a significant problem for Seattle’s backfield. The Seahawks are already without Zach Charbonnet, who has returned to practice but remains ineligible to play this week while recovering from a torn ACL.

Who is Seattle Seahawks’ starting RB?

With both Price and Charbonnet unavailable against the Chargers, Seattle will have to rely heavily on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. The two running backs are now in position to handle the majority of the workload in a backfield that has suddenly lost its top options.

Wilson is expected to receive the biggest share of the carries after already playing an important role in Seattle’s offense this season. Holani should also see an increased workload, although he has been dealing with a rib injury and was limited throughout the week before being cleared without a game designation.

The situation leaves Seattle without its preferred combination of Price and Charbonnet. Price had been expected to play a significant role as the team’s first-round pick, while Charbonnet remains on the physically unable to perform list and cannot return until Week 5 at the earliest.

The timing is particularly difficult because the Seahawks are coming off their first loss of the season and now face a Chargers defense that will test an inexperienced running back rotation. Seattle will need Wilson and Holani to provide enough production to keep the ground game functional and prevent the offense from becoming too dependent on the passing game.

For now, the Seahawks’ backfield belongs to Wilson and Holani. With Price heading to injured reserve and Charbonnet still unavailable, Seattle will have to find a way to navigate a difficult stretch at running back until reinforcements become available.

Key takeaways

• Jadarian Price is being placed on injured reserve after aggravating a chest injury.
• The roster move requires the rookie running back to miss at least four games.
• Zach Charbonnet remains sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL.

The Los Angeles Chargers last started a season 0-3 in 2017, when they opened their first year in Los Angeles with an 0-4 start. Hence, ever since Justin Herbert has been their starting quarterback, the Chargers have never been in this situation.

In Week 3, they lost 24-16 against the Bills despite gaining an early lead in the game. Not only is this the only time Herbert has started 0-3, but also Jim Harbaugh. It’s a crisis.

The Chargers are having issues on both sides of the ball

The arrival of Mike McDaniel was supposed to elevate this offense to a whole new level. However, it’s been a disastrous start of the season for the Chargers offense. Turnovers are an issue, playcalling is not there and the wideouts have had some brutal drops.

The defense has also regressed massively. Jesse Minter left his defensive coordinator role to become the Baltimore Ravens head coach, and the Chargers miss him massively. New DC Chris O’Leary hasn’t been able to replicate what the defense was last season.

Chargers schedule is brutal

The next stretch of the schedule is incredibly hard for the Chargers. They haven’t scored more than 16 points in a game so far this season and have allowed 24 or more in each of their three games. If that trend continues, they might go winless in their next few games:

• Week 4 (Oct. 4, 1:25 p.m.): at Seattle Seahawks (Lumen Field)
• Week 5 (Oct. 11, 1:05 p.m.): vs. Denver Broncos (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 6 (Oct. 18, 1:25 p.m.): at Kansas City Chiefs (Arrowhead Stadium)
• Week 7: Bye Week
• Week 8 (Nov. 1, 1:05 p.m.): at Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 9 (Nov. 8, 1:05 p.m.): vs. Houston Texans (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 10 (Nov. 16, 5:15 p.m.): at Baltimore Ravens (M&T Bank Stadium)
• Week 11 (Nov. 22, 1:05 p.m.): vs. New York Jets (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 12 (Nov. 29, 5:20 p.m.): vs. New England Patriots (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 13 (Dec. 6, 10:00 a.m.): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Raymond James Stadium)
• Week 14 (Dec. 13, 1:05 p.m.): at Las Vegas Raiders (Allegiant Stadium)
• Week 15 (Dec. 17, 5:15 p.m.): vs. San Francisco 49ers (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 16 (Dec. 27, 10:00 a.m.): at Miami Dolphins (Hard Rock Stadium)
• Week 17 (Jan. 2/3, TBD): vs. Kansas City Chiefs (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 18 (Jan. 9/10, TBD): at Denver Broncos (Empower Field at Mile High)

Key takeaways

• The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-3 for the first time since starting 0-4 in 2017.
• Los Angeles dropped its Week 3 matchup to the Buffalo Bills by a 24-16 score.
• The team has failed to score more than 16 points in any game this season.

There is also an obvious connection that makes the Chargers particularly intriguing. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel previously worked with Hill in Miami, where the receiver became a fundamental piece of an explosive offense built around Tua Tagovailoa. McDaniel’s system consistently created opportunities for Hill to use his speed, and their familiarity could make Los Angeles a logical environment if Hill is looking for an offense where he already understands the concepts and expectations.

The presence of Herbert would only make the possibility more interesting. The Chargers already have the quarterback capable of taking advantage of Hill’s ability to create separation and stretch defenses vertically. After a slower start to the season, Harbaugh could eventually find himself needing another major offensive weapon, particularly if Los Angeles remains in contention despite a brutal schedule. Hill would represent a very different type of addition from simply adding depth.

Is Tyreek Hill a free agent?

Yes. Tyreek Hill is a free agent and can sign with any team, meaning the Chargers would not have to negotiate a trade to acquire him. The biggest obstacle is timing. Hill is still recovering from his injury, and his return could come as late as the beginning of November. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has indicated that there is no desire to accelerate the recovery process, with the goal instead being to allow Hill to become fully healthy before choosing his next team.

That timeline could make the Chargers’ situation particularly interesting. Los Angeles would have to remain in the playoff picture while navigating a difficult portion of its schedule, potentially creating a situation in which Hill becomes available precisely when teams are determining whether they need another difference-maker for the postseason. The Chargers would need to keep that possibility open rather than committing their future plans before knowing how the season develops.

Chiefs might sign Tyreek Hill

The Chiefs could represent one of the biggest obstacles if Tyreek Hill ultimately decides to return to Kansas City. Rumors of a potential reunion have already grown, and Kansas City has the familiarity and history with Hill that could make the fit obvious. That could turn the market into a competition in which the eventual destination is determined not only by the offensive fit but also by which contender is willing to present Hill with the most attractive overall opportunity.

For the Chargers, however, the equation is worth monitoring. Herbert gives Hill the kind of quarterback capable of maximizing his vertical ability, while McDaniel provides a coach who already understands how to use him. If Los Angeles can remain competitive through Hill’s recovery and the team decides it needs another offensive weapon for the stretch run, the Chargers could become a compelling option when the veteran is finally ready to return.

Key takeaways

• The Chargers could be an appealing destination for wide receiver Tyreek Hill due to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
• Hill is currently an unrestricted free agent recovering from an injury, with a potential return projected around November.
• His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, stated there is no desire to rush his recovery timeline before selecting his next team.

“I’m not deterred,” Harbaugh said, via ESPN. “No one in that locker room is deterred.” Those words include Herbert himself, who, following the loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, made it clear that there is no more room for error.

“There’s no time for us to be patient with how we’re playing,” Herbert said. “It’s not good enough, so we have to be better.” The frustration is evident among the Bolts, but the only way forward is to keep working and turn things around on the field.

One noteworthy detail is that the Chargers have failed to make the most of playing at home. They lost to the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener and then suffered the aforementioned defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders. SoFi Stadium is clearly no longer a fortress for this team.

Chargers’ biggest weaknesses

The Chargers have stumbled out of the gate to an ugly 0-2, and the stats paint a pretty grim picture of why. The offense has completely lacked punch, averaging a 14 points per game and putting up a measly 268 total yards in their Week 1 loss to Arizona.

Justin Herbert hasn’t had much breathing room or rhythm, getting sacked three times in the opener while the ground game has averaged under 4 yards per carry. To make matters worse, ball security has been a massive killer— Omarion Hampton has coughed up crucial fumbles in back-to-back weeks, including a late, game-clinching turnover against the Raiders.

Combine those self-inflicted mistakes with a leaky secondary that allowed 393 total yards to the Cardinals and gave up three passing TDs to Kirk Cousins in Week 2, and L.A. has simply been shooting itself in the foot on both sides of the ball.

A daunting schedule ahead

The Chargers have a tough road ahead as they look to turn around their negative start. First, they head out on the road to take on the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium on Sunday, September 27.

They stay on the road the following week, traveling up to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday, October 4. Finally, they return home to SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 11 for a crucial division matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Key takeaways

• 0-2 start marks the Los Angeles Chargers’ winless opening record this season.
• Jim Harbaugh stated he is not deterred despite the team’s early losses.
• Justin Herbert declared that the squad has no room for error after recent losses.

Bowers is labeled as doubtful for this game, but reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network state that Bowers is not expected to play vs. Chargers. Bowers is still recovering from a minor knee procedure.

However, Rapoport also reported that Bowers “should be good to go” for Week 3 when the Raiders face the New Orleans Saints. Bowers is one of the most elite tight ends in the NFL, so for the Raiders, they need him back as soon as possible.

Who is Bowers replacement?

Michael Mayer is the primary replacement for Las Vegas Raiders’ TE1 spot. Mayer is a good, reliable veteran. Tight ends Ian Thomas and Jalen Myarick are also available on the roster, but they are more blocking tight ends.

Mayer caught six passes on seven targets during the Raiders’ win in Week 1 over the Miami Dolphins. He was very involved. He might not be Bowers, but he is a very serviceable tight end to have.

The Raiders rely on TEs as WR room is thin

The Raiders might have one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL but that’s not the case for the wide receivers. Hence, the playbook has plenty of schemes designed for the tight end to thrive, as the wideouts are not close to being stars. These are the WRs for the Raiders:

• Tre Tucker
• Jalen Nailor
• Jack Bech
• Cody White
• Malik Benson
• Dareke Young

The decision regarding his status remained up in the air, but the Bolts will be able to have the WR on the field at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers’ offense must quickly get back on track after a disappointing debut.

McConkey is one of Justin Herbert’s most reliable targets, and having him on the gridiron is crucial for the Chargers. After their stumble in the season opener, Los Angeles needs to win its second game of the season.

What exactly happened to McConkey?

McConkey is dealing with a rib injury that he picked up in the third quarter of the season opener against Arizona Cardinals after taking a big hit over the middle. Tests later confirmed it’s a cracked rib, which kept him out of practice for most of the week before he managed a limited session on Friday.

More options for Herbert

With McConkey banged up, Justin Herbert is leaning heavily on Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston to step up as his primary perimeter options and keep the Chargers‘ aerial attack on schedule. Harris gives Herbert a big-bodied, physical target who can win contested catches down the field, while Johnston offers explosive, run-after-catch ability that can turn a short drag route into a chunk play at any moment.

As for McConkey’s Week 1 performance against the Cardinals, he was hyper-efficient before exiting early in the third quarter, racking up 5 receptions on 7 targets for 82 yards and an 8-yard touchdown.

What’s next for Los Angeles?

Looking past their Week 2 showdown against the Raiders, the Chargers are facing a challenging early-season stretch over the next three weeks. They head out on the road for back-to-back hostile environment games, visiting the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, before returning home in Week 5 for a big division battle against the Denver Broncos.