Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston suffered a concussion after taking a scary hit in Los Angeles’ preseason Week 2 game against the Rams.
Johnston was trying to make a catch downfield on a deep ball from Justin Herbert when he took a helmet-to-helmet shot from Rams safety Tanner Ingle, who was sprinting across the field.
The concern for Johnson is very high because he exhibited fencing posture when he hit the ground. Concussions that result in a fencing position are considered to be more severe.
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Here’s a look at what happened to Johnston on Saturday.
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Quentin Johnston injury update
Johnston took a massive hit from Ingle as he was trying to catch a deep pass. The safety put his head down and made contact with the wide receiver’s head as he was looking for the ball. The back of Johnston’s head hit the ground before he went into the fencing posture.
Quentin Johnston displayed fencing posture towards the end of this clip.
Looked like his head slammed into the turf after the hit too.
Likely concussion.
pic.twitter.com/QVKXCTd1OB— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 16, 2025
Johnston eventually regained consciousness and was able to move his arms and legs. He was carted off the field and taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
Get well soon Quentin Johnston ⚡️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0PMMudKP1m
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) August 16, 2025
Johnston was slated to be an important pass catcher for Los Angeles this season opposite of Ladd McConkey. The former caught 55 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed postgame that Johnston did suffer a concussion, also saying that the wide receiver was taken to a hospital as a precaution, per Ian Rapoport.
MORE: What is ‘fencing posture?’ Explaining concussion-related response position
Chargers WR depth chart
| No. | Starter | Backup |
| 1 | Ladd McConkey | Tre Harris |
| 2 | Quentin Johnston | Derius Davis |
| 3 | Keenan Allen | Jalen Reagor |
The Chargers list McConkey, Johnston and Allen as the starting wide receivers on their 2025 depth chart, and the injury to the former first-round pick out of TCU could be a detrimental blow for the offense.
McConkey was Herbert’s primary target last season, racking up a team-high 82 receptions and 1,149 receiving yards. The second round pick out of Georgia had the 10th-most receiving yards in the NFL in 2024. Johnston served as Los Angeles’ biggest red zone threat and a reliable No. 2 receiving option. Allen was signed this offseason, returning to the Chargers after a disappointing season with the Bears.
If Johnston misses any regular season games, Tre Harris, Derius Davis or Jaelon Reagor could serve as his replacement.
MORE: Rashawn Slater injury: Chargers star to miss 2025 season after tearing patellar tendon
