Rookie WR Quentin Johnston feels prepared for bigger role in Chargers' offense

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Quentin Johnston has played only 48 offensive snaps for the Chargers through his first three games in the NFL, but the rookie wide receiver is poised for a bigger role beginning on Sunday when Los Angeles hosts the Las Vegas Raiders.

"I'm just getting used to my new volume of play that I'm going to be in for," Johnston told NFL.com in the locker room on Friday. "It's been fun. I'm looking forward to Sunday...

"I'm very excited. I try not to get too happy and just kind of stay focused. But I'm very excited for sure."

The 22-year-old's expected increase in playing time comes at the cost of losing Mike Williams to season-ending knee injury in Week 3. Although Johnston wishes his opportunity didn't present itself this way, he recognizes the situation offers him a chance to "live up to" the expectations that come with being a first-round pick.

Johnston became a highly-touted NFL prospect during his final year at TCU, generating 60 catches for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns to help get the Horned Frogs to the 2023 CFP National Championship Game. His breakout season resulted in the Chargers selecting him with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

"I think today he was better than he's been," Keenan Allen said of Johnston's practice on Wednesday in the locker room. "Just because once it comes down to it and it's do-or-die time then it's time that you got to go. When Mike was here it was like, I can make mistakes and do this and do that. But now it's not. There's a little bit urgency going on."

Johnston has only been targeted eight times so far this season, most of which coming in the form of short passing routes. The longest of his five receptions went for 11 yards but Johnston was able to gain first