Quentin Johnston suffered a concussion in the Chargers' preseason opener against the Rams after a big hit from Tanner Ingle on a Herbert pass. Diagnosed as a precaution, Johnston was taken to the hospital but later sat up as he was escorted off the field. Johnston, LA's 2023 first‑round pick, carved out a role as a deep threat last year with 711 yards and eight touchdowns on 55 receptions, setting expectations for a bigger volume in 2024. KeAndre Lambert-Smith also exited with an injury, signaling early depth questions for LA's receiver corps.

Those hits cast a shadow over LA's passing game as fantasy managers weigh the impact. With Johnston possibly sidelined, Herbert's downfield options could shrink, elevating Keenan Allen and Palmer and potentially thrusting Lambert-Smith into a larger role if healthy. The Rams opened with a physical stance that underscores the risk of early-season injuries, leaving the Chargers to recalibrate their WR rotation while Johnston’s status remains the focal point for Week 1 projections.