With no Mike Williams, Chargers need Quentin

They misplaced a cherished teammate hours before they began coaching camp. But the Chargers receivers knew just what to do when they heard of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement.

“At this point [we’re] just treating it like the next man up,” receiver Quentin Johnston mentioned. “Him leaving was unexpected, but at the same time, we just gotta fill in the blank and keep moving.”

Williams’ sudden departure has left an already questionable receiver group with even more to show. The 6-foot-4 receiver was coming off one of the worst seasons of his profession but was still anticipated to add a acquainted, reliable face for quarterback Justin Herbert. When it got here to successful 50-50 balls, Williams was one of the best ever, offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned.

And in a group that was led by a standout rookie final yr, the 30-year-old Williams was a much-needed veteran presence.

“It’s not easily replaceable,” Roman mentioned. “But we like where everybody’s going. We like the guys we have, we just gotta work, keep getting better.”

Star receiver Ladd McConkey is already main the best way. Despite a record-setting rookie season, McConkey has already tweaked small particulars that may outcome in large enhancements in his second season, Roman mentioned. The former Georgia star’s work ethic already units the tone: Roman walked by the receivers room at the Chargers’ follow facility Saturday morning and noticed McConkey sitting alone learning Friday’s follow movie.

But who will step up after McConkey? After his drop-plagued 2023 rookie season, Johnston improved drastically final yr when he caught 55 passes for 711 yards receiving and a team-high eight touchdowns. But even the leap in manufacturing hasn’t quieted some critics who stay disenchanted in the previous first-round choose.

With Williams’ departure, Johnston may take an even greater leap. Encouraged by the help of his teammates and coaches, he mentioned his confidence is at an all-time high.

“I got what it takes to still be here,” Johnston mentioned. “I just gotta go out there and prove that every day.”

Rookie Tre’ Harris can push Johnston on the surface. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi alumnus delivers some of the identical traits as Williams, but Roman has began Harris in a position that more mirrors how former Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer performed. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in free company, had 584 yards receiving and one landing on 39 catches final season.

Harris, who caught 114 passes for 2,015 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi after starting his profession at Louisiana Tech, insists to coaches he can play any place. But Roman is mindful to not overload the second-round choose, particularly after he missed a number of days of coaching camp because of a contract dispute.

Harris reported to coaching camp Friday, at some point after the entire group, but practically a week behind quarterbacks and different rookies who reported July 12.

“It was music to my ears when I heard that he signed and he was getting in,” Roman mentioned. “It’s so important for young receivers to be in camp. There’s been so many different adjustments, it’s just a different game. So far he’s been outstanding. A really smart guy. On top of everything. … Attention to detail, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good.”

Harris was a focus of his first follow Friday, changing into a frequent goal in group and seven-on-seven intervals. Receiver Jalen Reagor stored a close eye on the rookie as the sixth-year, former first-round choose shouted instructions on which routes to run. They typically huddled on the sideline after performs.

Reagor is on his third group after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not only is he the Chargers’ most skilled receiver, he stays a dependable option outdoors with his versatility and pace.

“He does everything really well,” Herbert mentioned. “I think he’s one of those guys, whether it’s the quick game, whether it’s the intermediate stuff or the deep balls like that, he’s definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off and he’s such a great route runner. He’s able to beat man coverage and another guy that you feel comfortable going to whether it’s zone or man, just finds a way to get open.”

Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith sustained an undisclosed harm during the spring, but is back to full pace for coaching camp, Roman mentioned.

The Chargers loaded up on offensive firepower during the draft, including two rookie receivers and tight finish Oronde Gadsden, a transformed huge receiver who may add more elevate to the passing offense. The additions appeared to be a signal from the entrance workplace that Johnston had to take one other step ahead in his profession to keep his place on the group.

But just like the leaping landing cross he caught over his shoulder during Friday’s follow, Johnston took it all in stride.

“Water off a duck’s back,” huge receivers coach Sanjay Lal mentioned during the spring. “I haven’t seen anything. I told him he’s a starter because he is and he’s operating that way.”

Etc.

Left sort out Rashawn Slater took a relaxation day during Saturday’s follow, Roman mentioned. With proper guard Mekhi Becton still celebrating his Super Bowl ring, proper sort out Joe Alt shifted to the left in place of Slater, Trey Pipkins III subbed in at proper sort out and Jamaree Salyer stepped in at proper guard. Despite beginning at proper guard final yr, Pipkins isn’t a prime contender for a beginning spot at left guard, where Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have rotated during the offseason. Pipkins as a substitute shall be a swing sort out option off the bench, coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned. … Running back Raheim Sanders missed a second consecutive day of follow Saturday.