The Los Angeles Chargers might get healthier at the receiver position as they prepare for their upcoming divisional matchup. Quentin Johnston sat out last week’s contest against Miami due to a hamstring concern that kept him sidelined. After appearing close to playing before ultimately being ruled out, should fantasy football managers expect their breakout receiver to return in Week 7?
Quentin Johnston Injury Update
Johnston made his first injury report appearance of the season during Week 6 preparations when he surfaced with a hamstring issue that limited his practice participation throughout the week. The third-year receiver had maintained remarkable durability through the season’s first five games, appearing in every contest while emerging as one of the year’s most pleasant surprises.​
Initially, there was optimism that Johnston could play through the hamstring concern after he managed limited participation in all three practice sessions leading up to the Dolphins game. However, reports emerged that he spent significant time working with trainers on the sideline during Friday’s final practice session rather than participating with the team.​
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday night that Johnston was trending toward missing the game, which proved accurate when the Chargers ruled him inactive approximately 90 minutes before kickoff. The decision appeared more precautionary than anything, as the team opted to err on the side of caution with hamstring injuries being notoriously unpredictable.​
Head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated after the game that the team didn’t want to risk a potential re-injury that could have sidelined Johnston for an extended period. Given the nature of hamstring strains and their tendency to linger if not properly healed, the conservative approach made sense for a player who has been instrumental to the offense’s success.
With an additional week of recovery time, Johnston appears to have a good chance to return for Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. However, his practice participation levels throughout this week will provide the clearest indication of his availability, with at least one full practice session being ideal before he returns to game action.
Update: Johnston opened this week just like last with a limited practice session, but he upgraded to full on Thursday. This affirms the Chargers made the correct decision in holding him out last week, as he now appears to be fully healthy. Johnston will almost certainly play this week.
Johnston Fantasy Outlook
Johnston’s Week 6 absence represented his first missed game of the season, breaking a streak of excellent availability and production that has made him one of fantasy football’s most valuable discoveries. Through five games, he had established himself as the Chargers’ top receiving threat with 26 catches for 377 yards and four touchdowns on 40 targets.​
His absence against Miami allowed other receivers to step into expanded roles, with Tre Harris enjoying his most productive game of the season with four catches for 27 yards on five targets while playing a season-high 53 offensive snaps. Ladd McConkey also benefited from increased target volume, hauling in seven balls for 100 yards and a touchdown on nine targets.​
The matchup against the Indianapolis Colts should provide Johnston with an excellent opportunity to return to his productive ways if he’s cleared to play. The Colts have struggled defensively against receivers, particularly in the intermediate passing game where Johnston has excelled throughout his breakout campaign.
Fantasy managers should monitor Johnston’s practice reports closely throughout the week, as his participation level will indicate whether he’s ready to resume his role as a weekly WR2 option. His 2025 breakout has established him as one of the most reliable receiving options in Los Angeles, ranking among the top fantasy discoveries despite being drafted around the 38th receiver in most leagues.
Should Johnston return as expected, he immediately becomes a solid lineup option given his target share and red zone involvement in the Chargers’ passing attack. The precautionary nature of his Week 6 absence suggests no lingering concerns about the hamstring issue once he’s fully cleared for action.
