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Chargers’ Quentin Johnston fined by NFL for surprising reason

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Chris Roling | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 9:16 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has had a rough few weeks.

Johnston caught just two passes during his team’s Week 7 beatdown loss at the Indianapolis Colts, although one of them went for a touchdown. He then proceeded to receive zero targets from Justin Herbert during his team’s primetime win over the Minnesota Vikings a few days later on a night his offense scored 37 points.

And now? Johnston has a hefty fine letter from the NFL.

According to the NFL’s fines and accountability page, the league issued Johnston a $17,389 fine for an unnecessary roughness infraction in the second quarter, calling his tackle in the endzone after an interception a hip-drop tackle.

As James Boyd of The Athletic pointed out, Johnston wasn’t even flagged during the play:

#Chargers WR Quentin Johnston was fined $17,389 for this hip-drop tackle on #Colts SS Nick Cross, who intercepted a pass intended for Johnston in the second quarter of Indy’s Week 7 win over the Chargers.

Johnston was not flagged for this tackle, which is now banned in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/bNRtUH2Rwh
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 25, 2025

Talk about a double (or triple) whammy for Johnston, considering he was targeted in the endzone, ended up needing to make a tackle instead, did so without a flag, then gets punished for the effort anyway.

Johnston has enjoyed a strong overall season for the Chargers, but that single play is a good summation of his last few weeks.

Over the next week or so, Johnston will likely appeal the fine. But he’ll be more worried about getting back on track and helping Herbert’s offense while the Chargers keep scrapping for more wins.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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