LaddMcConkey

Oct 12

Four of the top five wide receivers on the depth chart didn't play, and the fifth couldn't finish the game.

Los Angeles started the season with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris as its top receivers, with Brenen Thompson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Derius Davis as the primary backups. Lambert-Smith has spent the season on injured reserve. Johnston (chest) and Thompson (quadriceps) were inactive, while McConkey (foot) was active but didn't play. This left Harris and Davis as the top receivers, along with recent free-agent addition Marquez Valdes-Scantling and practice squad elevation Theo Wease Jr. Los Angeles started the game with Harris and Valdes-Scantling as its primary receivers, with Wease playing ahead of Davis in 11 personnel. The Chargers tried to establish the run game, so Harris ran just 13 routes on his 30 offensive snaps. He suffered a hamstring injury while blocking when the ball carrier ran into the back of his leg and was unable to return. After the injury, Wease became an every-down receiver, while Davis began playing in 11 personnel. This is a situation to avoid until some of the top receivers get healthier. Valdes-Scantling was an every-down receiver and led the wide receiver room in production, but he caught just two passes for 22 yards.

Tom Christ·Oct 10

Injury: Johnston logged three limited practices but has been ruled out for Week 5. Expected Time Missed: Out for Week 5. Johnston’s situation is interesting. He participated on a limited basis in all three practices but has been ruled out. Chest injuries can sometimes be played through, but pain with trunk rotation and reaching overhead can make tracking and securing catches difficult. Those demands may still be holding him back. We’ll reassess his practice progression next week. For now, his absence opens the door for Tre’ Harris to take on a larger role, especially with Ladd McConkey also questionable.