With Ladd McConkey’s status uncertain due to injury, the former first-round pick must capitalize on increased targets to ignite the Chargers' offense and prove his playmaking potential.
Quentin Johnston could be in line for a much bigger role with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 if Ladd McConkey is unable to suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders.
McConkey suffered a rib injury during the Chargers’ Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and is currently considered day-to-day. Los Angeles head coach Jim Harbaugh has not ruled McConkey out for Sunday, but the wide receiver’s status will be monitored throughout the week.
That uncertainty could create an important opportunity for Johnston, the former TCU standout and 2023 first-round pick.
Johnston’s first game of the season was not the start he wanted. He finished with just two catches for 17 yards on six targets as the Chargers struggled offensively in their 26-14 loss to Arizona. However, Johnston did see increased involvement after McConkey exited the game in the third quarter.
If McConkey is unavailable for Week 2, Johnston could be asked to take on an even larger portion of Justin Herbert’s passing game.
The timing could be particularly important for Johnston. The Chargers picked up his fifth-year option during the offseason after he posted the best season of his young NFL career in 2025. Johnston finished that campaign with 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns, establishing himself as an important part of Los Angeles’ offensive plans.
Now, with the possibility of McConkey missing time, Johnston has an opportunity to demonstrate why the Chargers continue to believe in his potential.
The former Horned Frog has already shown flashes of the ability that made him a first-round selection. His combination of size, speed, and ability to make plays down the field gives Herbert a different type of weapon, and a larger workload could give Johnston more chances to make an impact.
Of course, McConkey’s status remains uncertain. The Chargers will have several days to evaluate his injury before making a final decision, and his presence would obviously be a major boost for an offense looking to rebound from its disappointing Week 1 performance.
Especially since he had 82 yards and a touchdown in his limited playing time, the majority of which he did on the team's opening drive.
But if McConkey cannot go, the responsibility will increase for Johnston.
For TCU fans, it could provide another opportunity to watch one of the program’s recent stars take on a bigger role on the NFL stage. Johnston now has a chance to turn a difficult Week 1 performance into the beginning of a much stronger chapter in Los Angeles.
