Johnston caught just three of his seven targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in the 20-9 win over the Raiders on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson had multiple critical drops in the first quarter, but for a second consecutive week the 24-year-old once again connected with Justin Herbert on a beautiful frozen rope this time for a 60-yard touchdown that proved to be all the scoring necessary to beat the Raiders. The 2023 first-round pick did tie for the team high with seven targets, but unlike Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey, the majority of Johnston's targets appeared to be scripted and don't necessarily indicate a potential bump in volume on a week-to-week basis.

Johnston finished with five receptions (on seven targets) for 79 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Friday's 27-21 win over the Chiefs.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston looked like a fantasy stud in Brazil after cashing in on two of Justin Herbert's trio of touchdown passes. The third-year wideout has had his shares of ups and downs, but this is the kind of performance the Chargers had in mind when they selected Johnston in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It is worth noting that both Keenan Allen (7-68-1) and Ladd McConkey (6-74-0) finished with more targets and receptions in Friday's win. That said, if the Chargers offense continues to air out it out like we saw against the Chiefs, then all three starting receivers theoretically could eat this season. Johnston appears to be a priority addition ahead of next Monday's matchup against the Raiders.

Johnston (concussion) isn't listed on the Chargers' initial Week 1 injury report that was released Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Chargers head coach John Harbaugh had already confirmed Monday that Johnston cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, and the third-year wideout's absence from the injury report suggests that he practiced fully Tuesday and will be available for Friday's season opener versus the Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil. While Johnston projects to begin the 2025 campaign as a starter, the Chargers' offseason additions of veteran Keenan Allen and rookie second-round pick Tre Harris could cut into Johnston's target share and playing time.

Johnston has been fully cleared from concussion protocol, according to Chris Roling of SI.com.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston sustained a concussion during a preseason loss to the Rams on Aug. 16, but the wideout appears poised to be available for Friday's regular-season opener against the Chiefs. Look for added context on that front to arrive once the Chargers' first official practice/injury report is released ahead of the contest.

Johnston (concussion) did individual drills at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a sign of progress through the concussion protocol after a hard hit knocked him out of Saturday's preseason loss to the Rams. The quick return to practice, even in a limited capacity, suggests Johnston is on track for Week 1 against the Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He mostly worked with the first-string offense this summer, but his season-long role is in doubt after the Chargers drafted WRs Tre Harris (second round) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (fifth round) and signed Keenan Allen. The depth chart may be fluid beyond leading man Ladd McConkey.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Johnston sustained a concussion during Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston was on the receiving end of a big hit from a Rams defender on a missed connection down the right sideline with QB Justin Herbert early in the first quarter, and the former's helmet bounced off the turf as he went to the ground. After Johnston left the field on a cart, he went to a nearby hospital to be evaluated further. With a concussion now confirmed for Johnston, he'll be subject to the protocol for head injuries in order to practice and play in a game.

Johnston (head) was carted off the field during Saturday's preseason game versus the Rams, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston remained on the turf after landing hard on his helmet early in the first quarter and then was taken to the locker room, likely to undergo tests to determine the nature of his injury. Assuming a head injury is confirmed, he'd be subject to the concussion protocol in order to practice and eventually play again.

Coach Jim Harbaugh noted Tuesday that Johnston isn't in line to play in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Lions, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Harbaugh said that "veteran traditional starters" won't be seeing action in the contest, with Ladd McConkey being another Chargers' wideout not slated to play Thursday. In the wake of Mike Williams' retirement, McConkey and Johnston are on track to maintain key roles in the team's offense this coming season, with 2025 draftees Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith looking to make an immediate impact in a WR corps that also includes Derius Davis and Jalen Reagor (lower body).

Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Johnston, Tre Harris and Jalen Reagor can play the X receiver spot, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston handled the role for most of 2024, posting a 55-711-8 receiving line in 15 regular-season games while more than doubling his yards per route (1.85) compared to an ugly rookie campaign. It was a clear step forward for the 2023 first-round pick, but he still left some big plays on the field, dropping seven passes and struggling in contested-catch situations. The Chargers responded by signing Mike Williams -- who has since retired -- and using a second-round pick on Harris to give Johnston competition for the X receiver spot. Johnston's name is the first one Roman mentioned when discussing the position in response to Williams' recent retirement.

Johnston was running with the first-team offense during mandatory minicamp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnston took a step forward in his second pro season despite logging fewer snaps. However, his role in 2025 appeared to be in jeopardy after the team signed Mike Williams (undisclosed) and selected Tre Harris 55th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Popper, Ladd McConkey, Johnston and Jalen Reagor have been the trio of receivers running with the first team during mandatory minicamp. Harris will likely rise up the depth chart as training camp progresses, so Johnston's role is not yet secure, particularly if Williams can remain on the field.