The Los Angeles Chargers are again being tested for depth and toughness as they get set to host the Miami Dolphins in Week 6. After a dismal 27-10 defeat in Week 5, the Chargers (3-2) are now dealing with some serious injury concerns, including one of their premier offensive threats, wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

With playoff hopes already under fire early in the season, the Chargers could face a major setback if Johnston misses the game against the Dolphins. The latest update only adds to the growing tension surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s team.

As reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Johnston is ‘trending towards missing Week 6′ because of the hamstring injury. The WR is officially listed as questionable as of now. He was limited in practice throughout the week. He’s a significant part of the Chargers’ passing attack, and his absence might cost the Chargers.

The 24-year-old WR has proven to be reliable for Justin Herbert. In five games this season, he has 26 receptions, 377 yards, and 4 interceptions. Losing him will seriously affect their play.

The Chargers have already lost Najee Harris for the year on an Achilles tear, and rookie running back Omarion Hampton was put on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The staff promoted Nyheim Miller-Hines to the active roster, in addition to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, with the trio being the only healthy backs available for Week 6.

Los Angeles may be taking on the 1-4 Miami Dolphins team that could not get going, but the injury woes of the Chargers make the upcoming game anything but simple. Johnston has yet to be officially eliminated, but all indications are that he will miss the game against Miami.

In Johnston’s absence, Tre Harris may have a larger role as the Chargers’ No. 3 wide receiver behind Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer. Harris has displayed glimpses of promise in limited work this year, with 3 catches on 6 attempts for 45 yards, a long of 24. He’s been all but silent the past three games, including consecutive games without a catch. This will be Harris’s chance to prove his ability.

However, Johnston is not the only point of concern for the Chargers. They are dealing with an increasing pool of injuries.

Chargers’ deepening injury list

Los Angeles’ latest injury report highlights just how beat-up this team has gotten at such a young stage of the season. Offensive lineman Trey Pipkins (knee), defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (groin), wide receiver Derius Davis (knee), and offensive tackle Joe Alt (ankle) have all been ruled out, leaving gaping holes on both sides of the field. Pipkins’ loss potentially jeopardizes an offensive line that has struggled to get in sync protecting Herbert.

The list of questionable players puts further doubt into the account. Jamaree Salyer (knee) and Denzel Perryman (ankle) lead the list, joined by Bud Dupree (hamstring) and Scott Matlock (ankle). While Perryman was a full participant in practice and is expected to play, there are others like Dupree and Salyer who are still game-time decisions.

Among the few it has, Johnston’s absence is of most concern, considering how much chemistry he has developed with Herbert and how valuable he is for stretching the field vertically. The Chargers’ offense has built its identity on its pass game, and losing a talent like Johnston necessitates Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman to adjust once more.

The Chargers have seen a significant decrease in production over the last three games. Their season average is 19.6, but during the last three matchups, it fell to 17. Yardage has been about the same; Los Angeles is averaging 350 total yards per contest of late, against 352.2 for the season. They have also observed a dip in their passing production, which fell to 212.3 from 234.5 per game, over the last three games. However, there has been some hope for the team, as their rushing attack has witnessed a rise from 116.8 yards per game to 137.

Even so, if the Chargers are to sidestep a second consecutive defeat, Herbert will have to establish a rhythm early and trust his depth, particularly if Johnston is out. Players like Tre’ Harris, Palmer, and Allen will all have to elevate, as the reconfigured offensive line needs to provide Herbert with time to work. With the divisional race in the AFC West intensifying, each game matters, and this one might set the early course for the Chargers’ season.

If Johnston is ultimately unable to go, Los Angeles’ offense will again be pushed under duress, and fans will have to wait for their young star to regain full strength.