Sidelined for preseason opener
Johnston did not play in the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday.
Johnston joined Tre' Harris and Ladd McConkey in observing Thursday's exhibition contest from the sidelines while KeAndre Lambert-Smith, JaQuae Jackson and rookie fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson each played 30 or more offensive snaps against Houston. Johnston had his ups and downs in 2025 but finished with a career-high 735 yards across 14 regular-season games, with his eight touchdowns tying his career-best set in 2024. However, the 2023 first-rounder could be in line for an expanded role in the scheme of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, especially since Keenan Allen is still a free agent.
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Ladd McConkey
Doesn't play against Houston
McConkey did not play in the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday.
Trey Lance
Plays three quarters in preseason opener
Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while rushing three times for 27 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Brenen Thompson
Six targets in first NFL game
Thompson caught two of six targets for 30 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Kimani Vidal
Starts preseason opener
Vidal got the start in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans and rushed five times for eight yards while failing to catch his only target.
Cameron Dicker
Two made FGs, missed PAT in preseason win
Dicker made both of his field-goal attempts and one of two PAT tries in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Oronde Gadsden
Two catches in preseason win
Gadsden caught two of three targets for 21 yards in Thursday's 21-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Justin Herbert
Getting comfortable in new offense
Herbert has been sharp and on target with his receivers in training camp, seemingly growing more comfortable in Mike McDaniel's offense, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Kimani Vidal
Set to be utilized in committee
Vidal was listed a co-backup in the the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart Monday, Eric Smith of the team's official website reports.
Omarion Hampton
OC to use hot hand approach at RB
New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said Monday he'll likely use a "hot hand" approach in the backfield this season, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Keaton Mitchell
Will have role on game days
Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said Monday that Mitchell will have an offensive role on game days this season, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.