Coach Brandon Staley said in July they would bring Quentin Johnston along slowly, and that’s held true. Staley said the slow ramp-up for their first-round pick isn’t because Johnston isn’t ready, but rather because of the talent ahead of him.

But that timeline has shifted. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers no longer have the luxury of keeping their first-round receiver hidden on the sidelines.

“We believe in the makeup of this guy, and now he's going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him,” Staley said. “So it's a great chance for him to step up.”

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen is obviously still the top target but will probably draw more attention from defenses. Johnston will battle with Palmer for the WR2 spot but certainly has a chance to take over that role given his first-round talent. But as the story said, Johnston's play fluctuated in camp and he struggled with drops at one point. Still, if you're looking for help at the WR position, Johnston should be picked up and at least stashed for a week or two to see how he starts to fit in with this high-powered offense.

Source: Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston

It's what was feared since Sunday after the game. Williams was having a standout Week 3 before the injury happened. Williams will try to bounce back for next year at the age of 30. As for this season, rookie Johnston should be picked up this week if he's still on your waiver wire. It appears he's going to see an increased role according to those who follow the team. Palmer will also factor in give how much the Chargers throw the ball.

The Chargers fear WR Mike Williams has suffered a major knee injury.

Related players: Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen

No one is confirming until after the MRI, according to Rapoport, but those are the rumors leaking out. They are also saying it could be season-ending. Rapoport went on to say rookie Johnston would likely step into more playing time along with Palmer.

Keenan Allen has been the focal receiver in Kellen Moore’s offense during camp. Some of that is the rapport he has with Herbert. But some of it, too, is how Moore is using Allen.

Related Players: Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer

It feels like we've been waiting for Keenan Allen to age out of fantasy production for years now, but when he's healthy, he's still an exceptional option in what should continue to be a high-powered offense. Allen missed seven games last season, but with no hiccups through camp, he is a fantastic selection when he slides towards the 5th Round.

Per Lindsey, Chargers WR Mike Williams hasn’t been on the field during the open portion of OTAs to reporters, but here he is working out. Williams was unable to play in the postseason because of a small back fracture.

Related Players: Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer

Any time missed by Williams would immediately boost the early-season projections for rookie Quentin Johnston. Thiry's original tweet had clips from the veteran's Instagram account that showed him working out just fine, so we should presumably see him on the field before too long, barring any setbacks.

Chargers WR Mike Williams is not listed on the team’s injury report today and is now poised to play Sunday night vs. the Dolphins.

Related Players: Keenan Allen, DeAndre Carter, Josh Palmer

Williams' return will eat into Keenan Allen's ceiling but both should be in starting lineups for Week 14. Josh Palmer can now be considered a low-end WR3 while DeAndre Carter is back off of the fantasy radar.

Chargers’ WR Mike Williams was upgraded from limited participant in practice Wednesday to full participant today.

Related Players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, DeAndre Carter

Williams' return will eat into Keenan Allen's ceiling but they will both be fantasy viable should he return in full. Palmer and Carter can be considered afterthoughts again.

For a second straight day, Chargers’ WR Mike Williams was listed as a non-participant in practice due to his ankle injury.

Related Players: Josh Palmer, Keenan Allen

Things aren't trending in the right direction for Williams yet again, which keeps Josh Palmer firmly in the WR2/3 radar as he steps into his place. Last week, Austin Ekeler received an astounding 15 targets, but that is unlikely to repeat no matter the status of Williams or Keenan Allen.

Chargers WR Mike Williams is OUT on Sunday.

Related Players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen could be in line for a vintage target-heavy game this Sunday, while Josh Palmer should sneak into WR2 territory.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen is not on the field for the portion of practice open to reporters. Allen has not practiced all week because of his hamstring.

Related Players: Josh Palmer, DeAndre Carter, Michael Bandy

There's not much more to say about Keenan Allen's lower body injuries. Josh Palmer should operate as the Chargers' WR1 and carries moderate fantasy value, even in a great matchup against the Falcons. He should be considered a WR2/3, while DeAndre Carter is a speedy Flex consideration.