With no Mike Williams, Chargers need Quentin Johnston to deliver

They lost a darling teammate a few hours before starting the training camp. But the charge receivers knew exactly what to do when they heard of the sudden retirement of Mike Williams.

“At this point [we’re] It is enough to treat it as the following man, “said receiver Quentin Johnston.” The start was unexpected, but at the same time, we just have to fill the white and continue to move. »»

The sudden departure of Williams left an already questionable group of receivers with even more to prove. The 6-foot 4 inch receiver had just taken place one of the worst seasons in his career, but he had to add a familiar and trust-worthy face for the quarter of the Arrière Justin Herbert. Regarding the victory of 50-50 balls, Williams was one of the best than the attacking coordinator, Greg Romanesque, said.

And in a group led by an out -of -competition recruit last year, Williams, 30, was a very necessary veterans.

“It’s not easily replaceable,” said Roman. “But we love where everyone is going. We love the guys we have, we just have to work, continue to get better.”

The Vedette Ladd McConkey recipient already opens the way. Despite a record record season, McConkey has already changed small details that could lead to major improvements in his second season, said Roman. The work ethics of the former Georgia star already sets the tone: novel has passed through the receiver room at the charge training center on Saturday morning and saw McConkey sitting alone studying the training film on Friday.

But who will intervene after McConkey? After his recruit season in 2023, Johnston improved considerably last year when he captured 55 passes for 711 yards by receiving and eight affected at a team top. But even the production jump did not calm down certain criticisms which remain disappointed by the former first -round choice.

With the departure of Williams, Johnston could make an even greater leap. Encouraged by the support of his teammates and coaches, he said that his confidence was at a record level.

“I got what it takes to be there,” said Johnston. “I just have to go there and prove it every day.”

Harris recruit can push Johnston outside. The former of the 6 -inch 6 -inch Mississippi offers some of the same features as Williams, but Roman launched Harris in a role that more reflects how the former receiver of the charges Joshua Palmer played. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in a free agency, received 584 yards and one touch on 39 catches last season.

Harris, who captured 114 assists for 2,015 yards in reception and 15 affected in two seasons at the Mississippi after starting his career at Louisiana Tech, insists that coaches can play any post. But Roman is aware of not overloading the choice of second round, especially after missing several days of training camp due to a contractual dispute.

Harris pointed out to the training camp on Friday, a day after the whole team, but almost a week behind the quarter-back and other recruits that brought in on July 12.

“It was music to my ears when I heard that he had signed and he entered,” said Roman. “It is so important that young receivers are in the camp. There have been so much different adjustments, it’s just a different game. So far, it has been exceptional. A really intelligent guy. In addition to everything.… Attention to details, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good. “

Harris was a focal point of his first training on Friday, becoming a frequent target in a team and seven periods at seven. The Jalen Reagor receiver kept an eye on the recruit while the old sixth year choice, shouted instructions on the roads to be covered. They often huddled on the sidelines after the games.

Reagor is part of his third team after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not only is he the most experienced receiver of loaders, but there remains a reliable option outside with its versatility and speed.

The wide receiver of the Jalen Reagor charges famous after taking a catch against the Saints of New Orleans in October.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“He does everything well,” said Herbert. “I think it is one of those guys, whether it is the fast game, whether it is intermediate stuff or deep balls like that, it is really fast enough to remove the top and it is such an excellent route runner. It is able to beat the cover of man and another guy that you feel comfortable to go to the area or to the man, it is just a way to open.”

Recruit Keandre Lambert-Smith suffered an unknown injury in the spring, but is back at full speed for the training camp, Roman said.

The loads loaded an offensive firepower during the draft, adding two recruited receivers and a tight end Oronde Gadsden, a wide converted receiver which could add more elevator to the passing offense. The additions seemed to be a signal from the front office that Johnston had to take another step in his career to maintain his place in the team.

But as the pass of the jump, he caught over his shoulder during Friday training, Johnston took everything in stride.

“Water the back of a duck,” said large receptor coach Sanjay Lal during the spring. “I have not seen anything. I told him that he was a starter because he is and that he works this way. ”

Etc.

The left tackle Rashawn Slater took a rest day during the training on Saturday, said Roman. With the right guard, Mekhi Becton still celebrating his Super Bowl ring, the right tackle Joe Alt moved to the left in place of Slater, Trey Pipkins III was in the form of a right tackle and Jamaree Salyer intervened in the right guard. Despite the start of the right -wing guard last year, Pipkins is not a superior candidate for a starting place at the left guard, where Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson turned during the offseason. Pipkins will be an option of swing tackle on the bench, said coach Jim Harbaugh. … Ball bearer Raheim Sanders missed a second day of consecutive training on Saturday.