The Los Angeles Chargers have been up and down all season.
Brandon Staley’s team hasn’t been able to find consistency, and one of their youngsters has failed to meet lofty expectations.
Quentin Johnston was expected to have a prominent role in the passing game as the season progressed, but that hasn’t been the case thus far, and he’s failed to impress the same way he did in college, especially when compared to other rookie wide receivers.
On top of that, he struggled to get much going in Sunday night’s clash with the Baltimore Ravens, and according to Staley, it may have to do with the fact that he was dealing with a rib injury (via Dan W. on Twitter).
#Chargers HC Brandon Staley on WR Quentin Johnston:
“It was a rib injury. Your ribs affect how you breathe. He plays a position where you have to reach in order to catch things, so it affects the position. He was cleared to go back in the game, but there was apprehension on my…
— Dan W. (@DanWSports) November 28, 2023
Staley stated that Johnston had trouble breathing, which is why he wasn’t on the field late in the game despite being medically cleared to play.
Johnston was a big-play specialist in college, and people expected him to develop instant rapport with Justin Herbert.
Then again, things take time, and while some fans have rushed to bash him on Twitter, he could still have a long and successful career in the league.
The Chargers as a whole have been underwhelming — again — this season, and it’s almost impossible that Staley will stay with the team for another year if they fail to make the playoffs.
Chargers fans just need to be patient with their prized rookie, as those big plays will come eventually once he gets his legs under him and gets a better hold of the team’s offense.
NEXT:
Fans React To Chargers’ Underwhelming Stats With Justin Herbert
