QuentinJohnston

News: 6 days agoJohnston wasn't targeted in Thursday's 37-10 win over the Vikings.

Spin: Johnston was on the field for 38 of 73 offensive snaps, trailing Tre' Harris (43) and Ladd McConkey (42) but finishing well ahead of Keenan Allen (18). Harris has an overlapping skill set with Johnston, and the rookie second-round pick could gradually supplant Johnston as the team's go-to deep threat. Johnston exceeded 70 receiving yards in each of his first four appearances this season while scoring four touchdowns over that span, but he has just 70 yards and one touchdown in his last three games combined. His next opportunity to bounce back will arrive against the Titans in Week 9.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The 21st overall pick back in 2023, Johnston had the look of a bust after struggling to a 38-431-2 receiving line as a rookie. Things improved under a new coaching staff in Year 2, with Johnston doubling his rookie-season target share (from 11% to 22%) and scoring eight TDs (12th most among receivers). His production was inconsistent, however, as 43% of his fantasy points came in three games and he had seven single-digit outings. He finished 39th or lower in snaps, routes, targets, catches, yards and fantasy PPG, so, if he's going to join the WR3/flex discussion, he'll need a volume boost in order to offset TD regression to the mean (4.8 xTD). That boost is unlikely, as he'll now have to battle Keenan Allen and rookie Tre Harris for work behind Ladd McConkey. Johnston is barely worth a late flier.