Quentin Johnston Leaves Field on Cart After Hit

The Chargers wide receiver suffered a head impact on an incomplete pass and was taken off on a cart for evaluation.

Quentin Johnston Leaves Field on Cart After Hit

During the third offensive play of the game against the Rams, Justin Herbert threw deep toward Johnston, who was covered by A.J. Green. Rams safety Tanner Ingle arrived to pop Johnston. Johnston's head hit the turf hard. He was moving his hands, arms and legs while being treated on the field, and then stood up on his own before walking to the cart to be taken to the training room for further evaluation. KeAndre Lambert-Smith replaced Johnston with the starters.

Johnston, a 2023 first-round pick, has played 32 games with 21 starts in his career. He has totaled 93 receptions for 1,142 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The injury tests the Chargers' depth at receiver and may shape how the team manages player workload early in the season. If Johnston misses time, the offense could lean more on other pass catchers and on Herbert's chemistry with them. This moment also adds to the ongoing focus on head injuries and medical protocols in football, reminding teams to prioritize health over spectacle. The way the team communicates updates will influence how fans gauge the season's prospects.

The incident also underscores how quickly a game can hinge on a player's health and how teams balance risk with opportunity as they trim rosters and settle on a final depth chart.

Highlights

Health updates will guide the team’s next steps.