Will Dissly, the Los Angeles Chargers’ tight end, sustained a shoulder injury during their Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 8, 2024.
He had been filling a significant role in the offense, especially with the absence of rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who was sidelined for the game.
This absence meant that Dissly was expected to step up as one of Justin Herbert’s primary pass-catching options, and he had already hauled in two receptions in the first half, including a 15-yard gain on the Chargers’ final play before halftime.
However, disaster struck just before the break when Dissly suffered a shoulder injury during that very play. As both teams entered their respective locker rooms for halftime, the Chargers’ official X (formerly Twitter) account announced that Dissly’s return to the game was in question due to the injury.
While no immediate details were provided, it was clear that this was a significant blow to both the Chargers and fantasy managers who had been counting on him as a key part of the offense.
At the time of the injury, Dissly had emerged as one of the Chargers’ most consistent contributors in the passing game, having solidified himself as the team’s second-leading receiver among active players for the week.
His role had grown substantially as the season progressed, especially after McConkey’s absence in previous games.
Dissly had also enjoyed a productive stretch, registering several fantasy-relevant performances over a seven-week period, which had helped him gain a significant following in fantasy leagues.
Should Dissly be unable to return to the game or miss time in the coming weeks, the Chargers will likely have to turn to tight end Stone Smartt to fill the void.
However, Smartt is not expected to become a fantasy-relevant option, as his role is unlikely to offer enough volume or production to make an impact in most leagues.
The Chargers are already dealing with multiple injuries to key offensive players, with the absence of McConkey making it even harder for quarterback Justin Herbert to find reliable pass-catchers.
In addition to McConkey’s injury, the Chargers’ receiving corps has been inconsistent this season, with players like Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston failing to consistently step up.
Given these circumstances, the loss of Dissly could leave Herbert even more limited in terms of options to move the ball effectively, making the offense more one-dimensional and reliant on players who have yet to prove themselves as reliable contributors.
From a fantasy perspective, the impact of Dissly’s injury is significant, especially for managers who had been relying on him as a tight end option.
His absence would not only affect his fantasy value but could also make other Chargers’ pass-catchers even less appealing.
With Herbert dealing with various injuries of his own and limited options at his disposal, it may be harder for fantasy managers to trust any of the Chargers’ skill-position players in the near future.
As the game progresses, it will be important to monitor Dissly’s status, as his return or absence could have a significant impact on the Chargers’ offense and fantasy football landscapes.
If he is unable to return to the field in Week 14, the Chargers will likely rely on other players to step up, but with the team’s ongoing injury struggles, it may be a tough road ahead for both real-life and fantasy football success.
Tom Ricketts is an American businessman with a net worth of $900 million. Born on May 19, 1963, in Omaha, Nebraska, Ricketts is widely recognized for his role as the owner of the Chicago Cubs, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Ricketts became the owner of the Cubs in 2009, leading a family consortium that made a successful bid to acquire the team for $850 million.
Since then, the Cubs’ value has soared, with the team now worth approximately $2.6 billion, cementing Ricketts’ place as one of the most successful sports owners in the industry.
Ricketts is also the chief executive officer and chairman of Incapital LLC, a Chicago-based investment bank. Incapital is a major player in the fixed income securities market and provides capital markets solutions to a wide array of institutional clients.
Additionally, Ricketts serves as a director for TD Ameritrade, an online brokerage firm that was founded by his father, J. Joseph Ricketts.
Tom Ricketts (Credit: YouTube)
Tom’s involvement in the family business has played a significant role in his wealth accumulation, with the Ricketts family holding substantial influence in the finance and investment sectors.
Tom Ricketts has a strong educational background, earning an A.B. from the University of Chicago followed by an M.B.A. from the same institution.
His academic achievements laid the foundation for his career in both finance and sports management. Notably, Ricketts’ influence extends beyond the corporate world, as his family has also been involved in political circles.
His brother, Peter Ricketts, is the 40th governor of Nebraska and has previously served as the chief operating officer of Ameritrade, the brokerage firm founded by their father.
The Ricketts family’s financial success and political involvement have shaped Tom’s career and public persona.
Under Ricketts’ leadership, the Chicago Cubs experienced a remarkable turnaround. One of his most notable achievements was overseeing the Cubs’ victory in the 2016 World Series, which ended a 108-year championship drought, making the team’s championship win one of the most significant moments in MLB history.
Tom Ricketts (Credit: X)
This success helped to elevate Ricketts’ status as a respected sports figure and solidified the Cubs’ place among the most valuable franchises in the MLB.
Beyond his role as the Cubs’ owner, Ricketts has been active in philanthropic efforts, with the Ricketts family contributing to various causes, including political campaigns and charitable organizations.
He has also been an advocate for community engagement in Chicago, where the Cubs’ home, Wrigley Field, has become an iconic symbol of the city.
While Ricketts’ career and wealth are closely tied to his sports and business ventures, he has also made his personal views public, including his political support for Donald Trump during the latter’s presidential campaigns.
Ricketts’ involvement in politics has occasionally sparked debate, but his influence in both business and sports remains undeniable.
Tom Ricketts’ wealth and influence span across multiple industries, from sports ownership to investment banking.
His role as the owner of the Chicago Cubs and the CEO of Incapital LLC has played a significant part in his fortune, but his leadership in revitalizing the Cubs and his family’s continued involvement in finance and politics have cemented his legacy as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
With the Cubs’ value continuing to grow and his business ventures expanding, Ricketts is likely to remain a prominent figure in both the sports and business worlds for years to come.
