Chargers WR room undergoes massive momentum shift in loss to Rams

The LA Chargers' preseason showdown vs. the LA Rams on Saturday was the game in which the Bolts were finally going to throw everyone out on the field at wide receiver.

Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey did not play in the first two preseason games. Keenan Allen returned to the team in the middle of the preseason on a one-year deal. The starting group at wide receiver and Allen got to play the drive with quarterback Justin Herbert before they were pulled.

Unfortunately, Johnston suffered a concussion after a late hit by a Rams' defender. It looked like a scary scene for the third-year receiver after a cart and stretcher were brought on. Johnston was able to get on the cart and was ultimately transported out of the stadium.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Johnston went to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Luckily, Harbaugh also said that he was able to remember the play and was "moving good" afterwards.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre' Harris made the most of their opportunities.

After Johnston left the game, KeAndre Lambert-Smith stepped into his spot on the outside. Some fans wondered if that had meant Lambert-Smith was ahead of fellow rookie Tre' Harris on the depth chart. But it's worth noting that Lambert-Smith has trained in more of the X-receiver role, whereas Harris has been working the Josh Palmer Z position. For now, there's not much to make of Lambert-Smith going in first.

Herbert had a great pass to Lambert-Smith on an iso ball for an explosive play. Lambert-Smith also made an incredible catch later when he was able to get both feet in bounds on a nice Trey Lance pass towards the boundary:

KLS also added a nice special teams tackle to his resume. After a tough drop last week, Lambert-Smith could really do no wrong in this game.

Then there was the coming out party for Tre' Harris. Some fans and media pundits had concerns for Harris after he failed to make much of an impression in the first two preseason games. In yesterday's game, the Ole Miss product showed why he was selected with LA's second-round pick.

Harris led the team in receiving with six receptions for 85 yards. His biggest highlight was a 34 yard bomb from Lance in which he demonstrated great body control and poise. The play would set up a Raheim "Rocket" Sanders score to end the drive:

Harris looked particularly clean in and out of his routes vs. the Rams. That was something offensive coordinator Greg Roman said he wanted to see the rookie receiver apply on gameday earlier this week.

The Johnston concussion could open up an opportunity for Harris and Lambert-Smith to get high volume in practice reps this week. I'd also imagine that first drive is the last preseason action we'll see from McConkey, Johnston, and Allen.

The Chargers' rookie receiver duo will get more reps in practice and likely one more game next week to stake their claim for starting jobs in the rotation.