Johnston is not the only receiver missing. Brenen Thompson is also out with a quad injury, and Ladd McConkey is questionable with the foot injury that kept him out of practice earlier in the week. The Chargers also ruled out right tackle Joe Alt, safety Derwin James, cornerback Donte Jackson and guards Kayode Awosika and Trevor Penning.
Johnston has had a quiet start. Through four games he has seven catches on 18 targets for 108 yards and no touchdowns, per ESPN's game logs. His best day was a 44-yard catch at Seattle in Week 4, his only reception in that game. The targets have been there in spurts, with six in each of the first and third weeks, but the production has not followed.
The bigger issue for fantasy is who catches passes from Justin Herbert on Sunday. If McConkey can't play, the Chargers would be down their top three receivers from the injury report. Team reporter Chris Hayre wrote that Tre' Harris could be the No. 1 receiver. Herbert's passing volume has to go somewhere, and the tight ends and backs could see more short targets as well.
The offensive line losses matter too. Playing without Alt and two guards against Denver's pass rush could cut into the time Herbert has to throw downfield.
What RSO owners should do now: Take Johnston out of Week 5 lineups and hold him. This looks like a one-week absence based on the designation, and nothing points to injured reserve. Harris is the add to consider if he is on the waiver wire, especially in deeper leagues. McConkey owners should have a backup ready, since his status will not be settled until Sunday.
What to watch next: McConkey's status on the inactive list about 90 minutes before kickoff, how the Chargers fill out the receiver room with practice squad elevations on Saturday, and whether Johnston returns to practice next week.
