Quentin

Johnston

It was yet another down game for Johnston, who did his work underneath in this one. He now has one game this season with more than two receptions in a Chargers offense that can be described as utterly dysfunctional on every level. Johnston should not be rostered in most fantasy formats.

Johnston’s lone catch was a fantastic grab over tight coverage in the fourth quarter. He nearly scored on the play. Even with Ladd McConkey out with a head injury, Johnston did not function as the Chargers’ top wideout, as DeAndre Lambert-Smith led the team with ten targets. Johnston will be nothing more than a deep league flex option going forward. He should not be rostered in most 12-team leagues.

Stark difference from last week’s limited-limited-rule out. Jim Harbaugh would not commit to putting it on the record that Johnston would be on a snap count. Playing through the injury with Los Angeles’ sad sack offensive line would seem to have Johnston as more of a sketchy FLEX play than a WR3.

Johnston is on track to play, but this wide receiver corps is very banged up. KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) and Brenen Thompson (quad) remained limited as well. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (ribs) upgraded to full.

Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring), Brenen Thompson (quad), and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (rib) were all limited Wednesday. Lambert-Smith currently has his practice window for return from IR open while the others are dealing with a varying level of ailments. Johnston is the best fantasy option out of this group, but he is only worth FLEX consideration in the deepest of leagues. With Ladd McConkey (foot) also limited, the Chargers have several “maybes” ahead of a Week 6 matchup against the Chiefs.

“We’ll see where he’s at the end of the week,” Harbaugh added. Johnston practiced on both Thursday and Friday so he likely has the best chance of being active among Los Angeles’ main three wideouts. Unfortunately this passing game is in rough shape, and even a higher volume, healthy load probably wouldn’t get Johnston above the FLEX line.

Johnston got in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, so it was surprising to see him sent straight to “not playing.” Tre’ Harris figures to step in as Los Angeles’ top outside receiver by snaps this week and is a worthwhile FLEX play, even against a formidable Broncos defense.

Johnston and TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) both remained limited today, though WR Brenen Thompson (quad) downgraded. He did not practice, nor did Ladd McConkey (foot). Tre’ Harris could end up being the Chargers’ No. 1 wide receiver, but he would only be a FLEX against the Broncos.

In addition to Johnston, TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) and WR Brenen Thompson (quad) were also limited. Johnston has played in every game this season, but pops up on the practice report with a chest issue on Wednesday. He is not yet in danger of missing Week 5, barring setbacks later in the week. Neither Thompson nor Kolar have played since Week 2 but both have a chance to return this week against the Broncos. With Ladd McConkey (foot) not practicing, Johnston may have fantasy value as the Chargers’ No. 1 wideout this week.

Johnston at least made the most of his only catch, as it was on 4th-and-7 and kept the Chargers in the game. He also saw a redzone target, but Justin Herbert overthrew him. Johnston simply cannot be trusted even with the potential to make big plays in Week 5 against the Broncos.