Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston suffered a concussion during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams after taking a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit. The 2023 first-round pick was carted off the field and hospitalized for evaluation, casting uncertainty on his availability for the upcoming NFL season.
Quentin Johnston, a 23-year-old wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, exited Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams after sustaining a significant head injury. The incident occurred during the Chargers’ third offensive play of the contest when Rams safety Tanner Ingle delivered a high hit to Johnston’s helmet area. No penalty was called on the play despite the violent nature of the collision.
The injury took place on August 16, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California – the shared home venue of both teams. This preseason matchup marked one of the Chargers’ final tune-ups before the regular season, with players competing for roster positions. Johnston had been expected to play a key role in the Chargers’ revamped offense under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Medical staff rushed to attend to Johnston after he remained motionless on the field exhibiting a fencing response – an involuntary posture indicating neurological trauma. After several minutes of on-field evaluation, Johnston regained mobility and walked unassisted to a medical cart. He was transported directly to the locker room and later taken to a local hospital for comprehensive assessment. Harbaugh confirmed post-game that Johnston had suffered a concussion.
This injury represents a significant setback for Johnston’s development and the Chargers’ offensive plans. The TCU product was coming off a breakthrough sophomore season where he recorded 55 receptions for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns. His anticipated chemistry with new quarterback Justin Herbert formed a core part of the Chargers’ strategy to replace departed star receivers. Johnston’s physicality and downfield threat had positioned him as a potential WR1 candidate.
The immediate impact sees Johnston entering the NFL’s concussion protocol, automatically ruling him out for the remainder of the preseason. More concerning is the potential effect on his availability for Week 1 of the regular season. Concussion recovery timelines vary significantly, and the Chargers medical staff will monitor his symptoms closely. This also creates opportunity for other receivers like rookie second-round pick Tre Harris to earn more reps during training camp.
Looking ahead, Johnston’s recovery progress will be closely tracked through training camp. The Chargers face difficult roster decisions if he experiences prolonged symptoms, potentially necessitating short-term injured reserve designation. Team physicians will conduct baseline neurological testing and implement the league’s five-phase return-to-participation protocol. His next game action remains uncertain pending medical clearance.
This incident reignites ongoing discussions about player safety in the NFL, particularly regarding helmet-to-helmet contact enforcement during preseason games. While the league has implemented rule changes and advanced helmet technology in recent years, high-velocity collisions remain inherent to the sport. Johnston’s concussion serves as a reminder of the physical risks players accept in competitive environments.