LA Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston suffered a scary injury on the third play of Saturday's preseason game against the LA Rams. Johnston was hit hard in the secondary on a deep go-ball and violently smashed into the turf.
A medical cart and stretcher were quickly brought onto the field for Johnston, who remained on the ground through the first commercial game of the break.
Johnston was eventually able to get up under his own power and walk over to the medical cart. Johnston was then carted into the locker room, appearing to be fully concious.
Chargers' WR Quentin Johnston suffers scary injury three plays in Rams preseason game
The decision to play starters in the preseason is a hotly contested one. On one hand, it provides valuable game reps for the players who need it most ahead of Week 1 of the season. On the other hand, it opens the door for injuries in a meaningless game.
That being said, Jim Harbaugh's decision to play his starters should not be criticized after the injury. Justin Herbert wanted to play and the rest of his offense followed suit. It's nobody's fault on the Chargers that this happened. It's a freak accident that happens in football.
The focus now turns to Johnston's recovery and the Chargers' wide receiver room moving forward. The hope is that Johnston suffered a minor injury that won't impact his availability for the start of the 2025 season.
That being said, Johnston will almost certianly go into concussion protocol and the Chargers have every reason to play it as safe as physically possible. There is no reason to rush the third-year wideout back after a scary hit of this caliber.
If Johnston can't go for the start of the season it will provide an opportunity for rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Lambert-Smith came into the game after Johnston's injury and instantly caught a deep pass from Herbert. Herbert attempted to find Lambert-Smith in the endzone later in the drive for naught.