Chargers coach offers rookie "big opportunity" as Mike Williams stand-in named

27 September 2023 , 16:09

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Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley has called on rookie Quentin Johnston to step up and help the Chargers cope with the loss of Mike Williams (Image: Getty Images)

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has called on rookie Quentin Johnston to take his chance after injured ruled out key receiver Mike Williams out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.

Williams went down during Sunday's 28-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, and the team's worst fears were confirmed when scans showed a torn anterior cruciate ligament and leaving the Chargers without a key weapon opposite Keenan Allen.

Having eased first-round pick Johnston into the fray in recent weeks, his opportunity to impress may have now arisen, with Josh Palmer also in line for an increased role.

Coach Staley is now willing to put his faith in the 6-foot-4, 215-pound rookie to step up, especially as Johnston has seen just five receptions on eight targets off 48 snaps during so far this season.

Via team transcript, Staley said: "We believe in the ability of this guy and we believe in the make-up of this guy. "Now, he is going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him.

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"All he needs to continue to do is do what he's done ever since he's been here, which is to continue to make progress on the field. Over time, he's going to make more and more plays for us - we're really happy with him and he's going to get to shine in a bigger way now.

"It's a great chance for him to step up, and for everyone around him, too, as well. This is going to be an important transition for us, offensively."

Explaining why Johnston has been used sparingly so far this season, the Staley had a simple answer: "It's a sign of the talent at receiver.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston must now step up to replace Mike Williams (AP)

"I mean, you have two $20 million receivers, who are among the top players at their position in the league. Then, you have a guy in Josh [Palmer], who had 75 catches for us last season and who we feel like is one of the top young players in the league."

As Staley notes, the opportunity for Johnston to take his chance in the Chargers' line-up will soon come, with Lthe Chargers hosting the Las Vegas Raiders next. The coach added: "Everyone is going to have to elevate their game.

"We have a lot of good options on our team -- obviously, Quentin, being the first guy that is going to emerge in a bigger role. Everyone is going to have to elevate their game, and it's not just the receiving group, it's going to be that tight end group and running back group, as well. "

Tom Beattie