Kris RhimAug 16, 2025, 07:45 PM ET
CloseKris Rhim is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Kris covers the Los Angeles Chargers, including coach Jim Harbaugh’s franchise-altering first season (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41068072/los-angeles-chargers-2024-preview-jim-harbaugh-culture). In Kris’ free time, he lives his NBA dreams at men’s leagues across Los Angeles.
INGLEWOOD, Calif — Los Angeles Chargers‘ wide receiver Quentin Johnston exited the opening series of Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on a medical cart after taking a hit that left him motionless on the field for several minutes.
Rams safety Tanner Ingle hit Johnston while he was trying to secure a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert and had his head turned in the opposite direction. It was a tense moment in SoFi Stadium as Johnston lay motionless on the ground for several minutes as trainers prepared a stretcher for him. Coach Jim Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal also ran out to check in on Johnston.
Johnston eventually sat up, but was frustrated, slamming his gloves on the ground before exiting on the cart.
Harbaugh chose to play all starters for this preseason game except for safety Derwin James and outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Johnston is expected to be the Chargers’ main deep ball threat this season; losing him for any significant time could elevate rookies Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert Smith.
Lambert-Smith also exited Saturday’s game with an injury.
Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, finished with 55 catches, 711 yards, and led the team with receiving touchdowns last season.