Chargers Injury Report Sparks Questions Around Quentin Johnston

The Los Angeles Chargers added a layer of intrigue to their Week 16 injury report. 

They have officially listed wide receiver Quentin Johnston as questionable ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

Johnston, who missed last week’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs due to a groin injury, returned to practice in a limited capacity throughout the week. 

This gives the Chargers cautious optimism that he could be available for the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

However, his final status is expected to be determined roughly 90 minutes before kickoff.

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Quentin Johnston’s Injury Development

Johnston’s injury situation came together quickly last week.

He appeared on the Chargers’ final Week 15 injury report as limited on Friday due to a groin issue. 

This was a development that ultimately led to him being ruled out of Sunday’s road win in Kansas City. 

The Chargers opted to err on the side of caution, holding him out entirely rather than risking further aggravation.

That decision paid off as they’ve gotten Johnston back on track while also escaping Kansas City with a massive win. 

This week has brought more encouraging signs. 

Johnston logged three limited practices on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, suggesting progress even if he hasn’t been cleared for a full workload. 

While he remains officially questionable, the fact that he practiced in some capacity all week points toward a realistic chance he can suit up against Dallas. 

Still, the team appears prepared to evaluate how he responds in pregame warmups before making a final call.

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What a Potential Return Would Mean for the Chargers

If Johnston is cleared to play, his presence would give the Chargers an added vertical dimension in an offense that has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays. 

Even though his stats are not amazing, opposing defenses still have to account for his size and downfield speed.

This positively affects the entire offensive dynamic and opens it everything. 

That attention can help create space underneath for other receivers and loosen up parts of the run game.

Even a limited Johnston could provide value simply by stretching the field and forcing safeties to stay honest and respect the deep ball. 

This is something Kansas City didn’t have to deal with last week. 

The Chargers scored just 16 points in that game and managed only two plays of more than 20 yards. 

With that being said, expectations on Johnston should not be too high if he plays. 

Johnston hasn’t gone over 53 receiving yards since Week 4 and he only had 50 yards just once in his last eight games.

While Dallas’ secondary has allowed its share of big plays this season, Johnston is a very high-risk fantasy football start. 

Still, his return to practice represents a positive step for a Chargers offense looking for momentum at such a critical stage of the season.