Quentin

Johnston

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.

Johnston also had a really bad drop on a 3rd-and-10 pass in the fourth quarter with the Chargers trailing. The ball hit him directly in the hands about three yards past the sticks, and he dropped it. Still, Johnston played on 60 of the team’s 69 snaps and ran a route on 37 of their 43 dropbacks, so he remains the clear second receiver by playing time. After Week 3, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tre Harris start to cut into Johnston’s workload.

Johnston led the Bolts in targets but failed to do almost anything with those looks. He even committed his weekly drop on a long ball from Justin Herbert down the sideline. Johnston has three catches for 24 yards through two weeks. With Ladd McConkey hopefully healthier and less of a decoy next week, Johnston’s role isn’t going to grow anytime soon. He is sliding back into the WR5 ranks for his Week 3 date with the Bills.

Johnston saw most of his targets after Ladd McConkey left the game in the third quarter with a chest injury. He totaled 61 air yards, trailing McConkey and Tre Harris. The low-octane LA offense had just 27 pass attempts on the day, limiting every pass catcher besides McConkey. Johnston in Week 2 will continue operating as a high variance WR3 or flex play when the Bolts take on the Raiders.