Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Two offensive snaps versus Rams
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Lambert-Smith did not garner a target during Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Rams.
Lambert-Smith was expected to revert back to a minimal role on offense in Week 8 due to both Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris returning to action, and that is exactly what happened. Lambert-Smith played just two offensive snaps in the contest, and he will continue to have little to no fantasy value as long as the rest of the Chargers' primary pass catchers are healthy.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Likely set for reduced role Week 8
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Lambert-Smith is likely to drop down the wideout pecking order Sunday versus the Rams, as Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports that both Ladd McConkey (concussion) and Tre' Harris (hamstring) are set to return to action.
McConkey missed most of Week 6, and Harris sat out that contest altogether. As a result, Lambert-Smith logged an 87 percent offensive snap count, which he turned into his first five catches and 39 yards of the season on nine targets. However, the Chargers' bye week has provided enough time for McConkey and Harris to recover, so Lambert-Smith will probably go back to a very minor role on offense.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Draws nine targets in loss
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Lambert-Smith caught five of nine targets for 32 yards during Sunday's 22-6 loss at Kansas City. He also lost a fumble.
Lambert-Smith drew 12 targets total over 10 games during his rookie season in 2025, so his involvement in Week 6 is eyebrow-raising. His 59 offensive snaps actually paced the Chargers' wide receivers Sunday, with Tre' Harris (hamstring) sidelined and Ladd McConkey knocked out of the contest early by a concussion. Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel notoriously covets players with breakaway speed, which Lambert-Smith definitely possesses (4.37-second 40-yard dash), so despite his putting the ball on the ground Sunday, McDaniel may continue to try to find ways to get Lambert-Smith involved as the campaign progresses.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Returning to action Sunday
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Lambert-Smith (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
After being designated for return to practice this week, Lambert-Smith turned in a pair of limited sessions before upgrading to full participation Friday. He ultimately showed enough improvement in his recovery from the hamstring injury for the Chargers to clear him to play for the first time since Week 1. Lambert-Smith's return to action will bolster a receiving corps that will be without Tre' Harris (hamstring) in Week 6.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Comes off IR
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The Chargers activated Lambert-Smith (hamstring) from injured reserve Saturday, and he is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus Kansas City.
Lambert-Smith suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 against Arizona and has been sidelined since. He was able to post an LP/LP/FP practice log this week, but it's not yet certain that he'll suit up Sunday. Should Lambert-Smith be active, he could see some opportunities on offense given the injuries to fellow wideouts Tre' Harris (hamstring - out) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps - questionable).
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Limited in another practice
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Lambert-Smith (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
One of six Chargers receivers on the Week 6 injury report, Lambert-Smith is the only one who isn't currently on the 53-man roster. He's been on injured reserve since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury, but after having his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday, Lambert-Smith could have a shot at suiting up this Sunday in Kansas City. He's been a limited participant in both of the first two practices of the week, so he may need to turn in a full session Friday in order for the Chargers to feel comfortable activating him.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Lands on injured reserve
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The Chargers placed Lambert-Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.
Lambert-Smith suffered a significant hamstring injury during the Chargers' Week 1 loss against the Cardinals, warranting a stint on the IR. As such, the second-year pro will be required to miss at least the next four games and is eligible to return for Week 6 against the Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 18, though he may need more time to recover. Gary Jennings was signed to the Chargers' 53-man roster in a corresponding move.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Questionable to return, hamstring issue
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Lambert-Smith (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Lambert-Smith exited the second half of Sunday's game. If the hamstring issue is anything other than a minor hit, the wide receiver will likely be required to miss time as he manages the issue. Derius Davis may see an increased role in the Chargers' passing offense in Lambert-Smith's absence.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Lands on IR
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The Chargers placed Lambert-Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve Saturday.
Lambert-Smith is done for the season after catching five passes for 51 yards and a touchdown across 10 games during the regular season. The rookie fifth-round pick will shift his focus to getting healthy for the 2026 campaign, while Kimani Vidal will likely take over as one of the team's primary kick returners during Sunday's wild-card matchup versus the Patriots.
Lambert-Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Patriots.
Lambert-Smith opened the Chargers' week of practice with consecutive DNPs after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 18 loss to the Broncos, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. The rookie wideout from Auburn logged just 53 offensive snaps over 10 regular-season contests this season, catching five of 12 targets for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kimani Vidal will likely step in and operate as one of the Chargers' top kick returners while Lambert-Smith is sidelined for the wild-card round.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Done for the afternoon
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Lambert-Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's contest against the Broncos.
Lambert-Smith suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter, and his night has now officially come to a premature end. Tre' Harris and Derius Davis could see a slight uptick in usage at wide receiver in his absence.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Scores first career touchdown
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Lambert-Smith caught his lone target for 16 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Chiefs.
Lambert-Smith's trip to the end zone accounted for the only touchdown scored by the Chargers in the contest and the first touchdown of his career. With teammate Quentin Johnston (groin) inactive, the rookie wideout played 21 of the Chargers' 66 offensive snaps, his largest snap share of the season. Lambert-Smith made the most of his limited playing time by finding the end zone, but the Auburn product should not be trusted for fantasy purposes, even in a plus matchup against the Cowboys in Week 16.
Lambert-Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
It's the first time this season that the rookie fifth-rounder is a healthy scratch, and with the Chargers on a bye Week 12, his next opportunity to play is Week 13 against the Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 13. Derius Davis and Trayveon Williams are slated to serve as the Chargers' primary returners on kickoffs and punts in Lambert-Smith's absence.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Can't bring in only target
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Lambert-Smith failed to secure his only target during the Chargers' 27-21 win over the Chiefs on Friday night.
Lambert-Smith played 14 offensive snaps while rookie second-rounder Tre' Harris played just five snaps. On his only target, though, Harris managed an 11-yard completion, while Lambert-Smith finished catchless. Both rookies will again compete for reps behind starting wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston as the Chargers prepare for a Monday night showdown on the road at Las Vegas in Week 2.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: No catches to close preseason
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Lambert-Smith did not record a reception on one target in Saturday's 30-23 preseason loss to the 49ers.
The Chargers rested all of their starters, including fellow rookie Omarion Hampton. Lambert-Smith played in the team's first four offensive possessions and was targeted twice, once by Trey Lance and once by Taylor Heinicke -- though the latter was wiped out by a penalty. Lambert-Smith has been one of the key risers throughout the summer, and he could open the season as the team's fourth receiver, depending on the health and role of Tre Harris (undisclosed).
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Hype keeps building
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Lambert-Smith recorded two receptions on six targets for 66 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.
Lambert-Smith entered the game on the Chargers' opening drive after Quentin Johnston (concussion) was injured, following Keenan Allen but prior to fellow rookie Tre Harris. The latter development may have been the result of the fact Lambert-Smith was better suited to fill Johnston's downfield role, as both rookies ultimately played well beyond the starters' departure from the contest. Regardless, Lambert-Smith is clearly in the mix for early playing time come the regular season, and he helped his cause by splitting double coverage for a 29-yard catch on a pass from Justin Herbert on the first possession of the game.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Keeps rolling in preseason opener
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Lambert-Smith secured both targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 34-7 preseason win over the Lions in Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game.
Lambert-Smith set the pace for the Chargers in receiving yards while also sharing the team lead in receptions with multiple teammates. The rookie fifth-round pick, who's been standing out during the early stages of training camp, flashed his speed on a game-long 28-yard reception during Los Angeles' second possession, when he beat 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw down the right side of the field. Lambert-Smith then capped off his night with a 15-yard touchdown grab just past the two-minute warning in the second quarter, closing out a performance that served as an ideal carryover from his work on the practice field. The Auburn product is slotted in the latter portion of the Chargers' wide receiver depth chart at the moment, but he'll seemingly be given plenty of opportunity to make a case for a solid rookie-season rotational role on a team that's prioritized adding playmaking prowess to the offense all offseason.
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Chargers' KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Flashing potential as outside WR
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Lambert has been an early standout for the Chargers through the first week of training camp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
The sudden retirement of Mike Williams coupled with a minor undisclosed injury for Jalen Reagor has opened the door for both Lambert-Smith and rookie second-round pick Tre Harris to compete for a boundary wide receiver role on the first-team offense. Lambert-Smith has the prototypical size (6-foot-1) and speed (4.37 40-yard dash at 2025 NFL Combine) to be a conventional field stretcher for an offense that has struggled to find that role for years, and he figures to be in the mix for consequential playing time regardless if he's officially listed as a starter come Week 1.
The Chargers selected Lambert-Smith in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 158th overall.
The Chargers went wide receiver for the second time this draft, previously taking Tre Harris in the second round. Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn for his fifth collegiate season and was the clear top receiver with team highs in receptions (50), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (eight). The 23-year-old boosted his draft stock further at the 2025 NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and an above-average 79-inch wingspan at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. With 19.6 yards per catch last season, he has the tools to make splash plays in the NFL, but he joins a crowded receiver room in Los Angeles.
