Remember that wild 2021 game between the Chargers and Texans? Yeah, the one where Houston pulled off the upset, and Rex Burkhead decided to channel his inner prime Barry Sanders? LA has long forgotten that day, but the Texans fans, yeah they are still bragging about it… The two sides. Fast forward to now, and the stakes are even higher. It’s Wild Card weekend, and these two are back at it again, this time with playoff dreams on the line.

The stage is set at NRG Stadium, and the question looms: will the Chargers flip the script this time? It’s a game loaded with subplots, but one storyline has stolen the pregame chatter—Quentin Johnston’s status. 

So, in some promising news, the Chargers might just have an ace up their sleeve. Ian Rapoport confirmed, “#Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Quentin Johnston and LB Denzel Perryman are all active today against the #Texans.” That’s right—Johnston, their dynamic first-round wideout, is suiting up despite dealing with some injury drama leading into the game.

Now, let’s talk about Johnston. The rookie wrapped up the regular season with his best performance yet. A career-high 13 receptions for 186 yards… HE DID NOT just help the Chargers, he made sure to raid Sin City dry of the remaining joy… He just proved why he was a first-round pick. But a nagging thigh injury and an illness cast doubt on his Wild Card availability.

Chargers fans can breathe easy, though—he’s officially good to go. The team initially listed him as questionable, but it’s clear Johnston’s ready to make an impact under the postseason lights. However, where there’s some good news, a bad one has to follow… The team’s inactive list is out, and it’s not pretty.

Joshua Palmer (foot) and guard Trey Pipkins III (oblique) are sidelined, dealing a blow to LA’s offense. Add to that the absences of running backs Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson, tight end Hayden Hurst, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, and quarterback Easton Stick, and it’s clear the Chargers are heading into Houston with a patchwork lineup… So, after this laundry list why wouldn’t Johnston’s update sound like a saving grace?

A chance for Quentin Johnston to earn his name off of playoffs

Remember the Chargers’ November clash with the Ravens? It wasn’t their best night. After the 30-23 loss, Quentin Johnston owned up to some missed opportunities. “You kind of just learn not to dwell on it too much… I know I’ve got to get better,” he said. Honest, right? That humility and hunger are exactly why Johnston is so critical to the Chargers’ playoff hopes.

Fast forward to now, and Johnston has stepped up in a big way. His final regular-season game against the Raiders? Chef’s kiss. The rookie flashed why he was a first-round pick, showcasing his ability to connect with Justin Herbert and make big plays when it counts. If the Chargers want to keep their postseason dreams alive, they’ll need Johnston to be their X-factor.

The stakes are even higher with Joshua Palmer sidelined due to a foot injury. Johnston’s versatility and knack for clutch plays make him the go-to guy in key situations. He’s not just another option—he’s the option. He has racked up 91 targets, 55 receptions, 711 yards, and a team-leading 8 touchdowns, proving he can deliver under pressure.

But let’s not forget, the playoffs are a different beast. Defenses are sharper, the stakes higher, and every yard feels like a mile. Can Johnston rise to the occasion? If his rookie season’s progression is any clue, he’s more than ready to embrace the challenge. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about making the moments count, and Johnston seems built for it.

For the Chargers, Johnston isn’t just a weapon—he’s a necessity. With injuries thinning their receiving corps, his role is pivotal. If he can carry his regular-season momentum into the postseason, Johnston might just earn himself a spot in Chargers lore. As the saying goes, players make legends in the playoffs, and Johnston is ready to write his chapter.