Los Angeles Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston (1) Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Can Chargers rookie WR Quentin Johnston replace Mike Williams?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/25/23

The Los Angeles Chargers must fill a substantial offensive hole after one of their best players suffered a season-ending injury.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, an MRI confirmed Mike Williams tore his ACL and won't be ready until training camp next season. Rookie Quentin Johnston must emerge as a viable No. 2 WR during his absence.

Johnston, the 21st overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, has only played on 22 percent of offensive snaps in three games and caught five receptions for 26 yards. Yet it's clear he possesses upside.

Quentin Johnston with the mean sideline catch

(via @chargers)

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— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 29, 2023

"In Johnston, the Chargers have a receiver with a similar skill set to Williams," wrote Eric Williams of Fox Sports. "At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds with a wide wingspan, Johnston can win contested catches deep down the field. He's also blessed with the suddenness and run-after-the-catch ability to make things happen in the quick game."

Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore indicated he believes the 21-year-old is raw but can step up immediately.

"He's going to make a bunch of plays," Moore said, via Williams. "He is going to make some that he wants back. He's going to make, maybe, a couple of alignment mistakes. But that happens when you're a young guy, the first time out there."

The Chargers passing offense also holds several weapons, such as QB Justin Herbert and WR Keenan Allen, easing the pressure on the rookie. Through three games, Allen is third in the NFL in receiving yards (402), and Herbert is third in QBR (75.0).

So Johnston will have plenty of time to develop into a serviceable replacement. Despite the injury, the Chargers passing offense should remain productive as Los Angeles aims to rebound after a 1-2 start.

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