Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but X-rays on his ankle came back negative. It's unclear whether or not Herbert is at real risk of missing Sunday's game in a battle between two undefeated teams, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. That said, Herbert is the QB26 on the year so far, and the Steelers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. He should be benched in single-QB formats whether he plays or not. If he's out, Easton Stick will get the start, and wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will have reduced fantasy ceilings and floors.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a first-rounder in 2023, had a rocky first year in the NFL marred by drops. But through the first two weeks of his second season in the NFL, Johnston has flipped the script and led the Chargers with five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers. He had two TDs all of last year, but he currently leads the Bolts in catches, receiving yards and yards per target. The 23-year-old's route-running this year is tighter and more deceptive, and his hands have improved markedly. Johnston ran post or go routes 35.5% of the time last year, but that rate has dropped to 21.4% this year, which has increased his chances to run after the catch on crossing routes. He has become a popular waiver-wire pickup after the first two weeks, especially with DJ Chark (hip) on Injured Reserve.

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) will be listed on Wednesday's injury report with an ankle injury. Herbert's practice status right now is to be determined, so fantasy managers will want to check back later for his official status. The 26-year-old signal-caller wasn't spotted at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday. His ankle injury is on the same side that he dealt with plantar fasciitis during training camp, although it doesn't appear to be related. Herbert injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers but eventually returned to the game. He is apparently feeling a lot better, but we won't know his status for Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers until later this week. Easton Stick would likely fill in for the Bolts under center if Herbert isn't cleared, which would obviously be a big downgrade for LA's offense.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston struggled mightily in his rookie campaign despite veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams missing chunks of the 2023 NFL season. Johnston caught just 28 passes for 431 yards and two scores in Year 1. In just two games of the 2024 campaign, the TCU product has hauled in eight of his 11 targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Despite all the criticism, Johnston is just looking to build on his strong start. "Everything you're seeing from the first two games and then going through the rest of the season is just a testament to my work," Johnston said. While he's highly unlikely to continue to average one touchdown per game, it's promising that he's tied for the team lead in targets through two weeks. Los Angeles hasn't had to air it out much with two matchups against weak offenses so far, but he could see more volume when L.A. inevitably gets in "come-from-behind" mode.

X-rays came back negative on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's lower right leg on Monday, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. Herbert had his leg rolled up on in the third quarter of the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but he quickly returned to the contest and finished out the day under center. The 26-year-old signal-caller isn't dealing with any structural damage but should be considered day-to-day, nonetheless, heading into a Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If by chance the Chargers don't clear Herbert to play this weekend, either Easton Stick or Taylor Heinicke would take over as the starting QB. Herbert has been held under 150 yards passing in both of the first two games of the year in LA's new offense, throwing for three touchdowns and one interception. If he plays in Week 3, he'll remain a low-end QB2 against a tough Steelers defense.