With Mike Williams gone, Quentin Johnston confident he can deliver for Chargers

Yahoo

4 days ago

They lost a cherished teammate hours before they started training camp. But the Chargers receivers knew just what to do when they heard of Mike Williams' sudden retirement.
'At this point [we're] just treating it like the next man up,' receiver Quentin Johnston said. 'Him leaving was unexpected, but at the same time, we just gotta fill in the blank and keep moving.'
Williams' sudden departure has left an already questionable receiver group with even more to prove. The 6-foot-4 receiver was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career but was still expected to add a familiar, trustworthy face for quarterback Justin Herbert. When it came to winning 50-50 balls, Williams was one of the best ever, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said.
Read more: Chargers' Mike Williams retires from football: 'You can't really replace a guy like that'
And in a group that was led by a standout rookie last year, the 30-year-old Williams was a much-needed veteran presence.
'It's not easily replaceable,' Roman said. 'But we like where everybody's going. We like the guys we have, we just gotta work, keep getting better.'
Star receiver Ladd McConkey is already leading the way. Despite a record-setting rookie season, McConkey has already tweaked small details that could result in big improvements in his second season, Roman said. The former Georgia star's work ethic already sets the tone: Roman walked by the receivers room at the Chargers' practice facility Saturday morning and saw McConkey sitting alone studying Friday's practice film.
But who will step up after McConkey? After his drop-plagued 2023 rookie season, Johnston improved drastically last year when he caught 55 passes for 711 yards receiving and a team-high eight touchdowns. But even the jump in production hasn't quieted some critics who remain disappointed in the former first-round pick.
With Williams' departure, Johnston could take an even bigger leap. Encouraged by the support of his teammates and coaches, he said his confidence is at an all-time high.
'I got what it takes to still be here,' Johnston said. 'I just gotta go out there and prove that every day.'
Rookie Tre' Harris can push Johnston on the outside. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi alumnus delivers some of the same traits as Williams, but Roman has started Harris in a role that more mirrors how former Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer played. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency, had 584 yards receiving and one touchdown on 39 catches last season.
Harris, who caught 114 passes for 2,015 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi after beginning his career at Louisiana Tech, insists to coaches he can play any position. But Roman is mindful to not overload the second-round pick, especially after he missed several days of training camp because of a contract dispute.
Harris reported to training camp Friday, one day after the whole team, but nearly a week behind quarterbacks and other rookies who reported July 12.
Read more: 'The Harbaugh way': Even practice jerseys are a source of pride
'It was music to my ears when I heard that he signed and he was getting in,' Roman said. 'It's so important for young receivers to be in camp. There's been so many different adjustments, it's just a different game. So far he's been outstanding. A really smart guy. On top of everything. … Attention to detail, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good.'
Harris was a focal point of his first practice Friday, becoming a frequent target in team and seven-on-seven periods. Receiver Jalen Reagor kept a close eye on the rookie as the sixth-year, former first-round pick shouted instructions on which routes to run. They often huddled on the sideline after plays.
Reagor is on his third team after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not only is he the Chargers' most experienced receiver, he remains a reliable option outside with his versatility and speed.
'He does everything really well,' Herbert said. 'I think he's one of those guys, whether it's the quick game, whether it's the intermediate stuff or the deep balls like that, he's definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off and he's such a great route runner. He's able to beat man coverage and another guy that you feel comfortable going to whether it's zone or man, just finds a way to get open.'
Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith sustained an undisclosed injury during the spring, but is back to full speed for training camp, Roman said.
The Chargers loaded up on offensive firepower during the draft, adding two rookie receivers and tight end Oronde Gadsden, a converted wide receiver who could add more lift to the passing offense. The additions appeared to be a signal from the front office that Johnston had to take another step forward in his career to maintain his place on the team.
But like the leaping touchdown pass he caught over his shoulder during Friday's practice, Johnston took it all in stride.
'Water off a duck's back,' wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal said during the spring. 'I haven't seen anything. I told him he's a starter because he is and he's operating that way.'
Etc.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater took a rest day during Saturday's practice, Roman said. With right guard Mekhi Becton still celebrating his Super Bowl ring, right tackle Joe Alt shifted to the left in place of Slater, Trey Pipkins III subbed in at right tackle and Jamaree Salyer stepped in at right guard. Despite starting at right guard last year, Pipkins isn't a top contender for a starting spot at left guard, where Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have rotated during the offseason. Pipkins instead will be a swing tackle option off the bench, coach Jim Harbaugh said. … Running back Raheim Sanders missed a second consecutive day of practice Saturday.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.