Week4: Chargers at Giants Preview

Here’s a preview and injury update for the Week 4 Chargers at Giants matchup, along with what to watch for on Sunday:

What to Look For:

1. Rookie QB debut for the Giants

The biggest storyline is the New York Giants making the switch at quarterback — Jaxson Dart gets the nod over Russell Wilson. Dart’s first NFL start will be a trial by fire: he’ll face a Chargers defense that ranks among the league’s best in pressure and opponent passer rating. How well he handles pre-snap reads, blitzes, and taking care of the football will go a long way in determining New York’s competitiveness.

2. Chargers’ aerial assault vs. Giants’ secondary

Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ passing attack have been rolling — Herbert leads in passing yardage early in the season. The Giants defense will have to contend with weapons like Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, etc. New York has to disrupt timing, generate pressure, and force Herbert into uncomfortable throws.

3. Offensive line health & running game

For the Chargers, the status of Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman is a concern (see injury section below). Those internal line issues could limit Herbert’s time in the pocket or disrupt run-blocking. If they can’t keep him clean, the Giants may have chance to capitalize. On the Giants’ side, protecting Dart is essential — if they can at least stabilize the line, it gives him a chance to build confidence.

4. Special teams and kicking drama in New York

The Giants are entering this game without their veteran kicker Graham Gano (groin), and will need to figure out who handles field goals and extra points (Younghoe Koo and Jude McAtamney are in the mix). Any missed kicks or mess-ups could loom large in what may not be a blowout.

5. Can the Giants’ defense generate turnovers?

Facing a high-powered offense, the Giants must find ways to disrupt by pressuring Herbert, bait throws into coverage and force mistakes. If New York can punch in a turnover or two, the momentum can turn in their favor, but they’ll need to limit big the big plays.

Injury Report & Status Updates

Chargers (Week 4 Injury Report)

From the Chargers’ official report: (Chargers)

• Did Not Practice (DNP):
   • Mekhi Becton (G) — concussion (Chargers)
   • Bradley Bozeman (C) — back (Chargers)
   • Derius Davis (WR) — knee (Chargers)
   • Will Dissly (TE) — knee (Chargers)
   • Rick Lovato (LS) — personal/nonspecific (Chargers)
• Limited Participation:
   • Da’Shawn Hand (DL) — back (Chargers)
   • Donte Jackson (CB) — ankle (Chargers)
   • Elijah Molden (DB) — hamstring (Chargers)
   • Trey Pipkins III (G/T) — knee (Chargers)
• Full Participation:
   • Cam Hart (CB) — hip (full) (Chargers)

Giants (Week 4 Injury Report)

From the Giants’ official report: (Giants)

• Did Not Practice (DNP):
   • Malik Nabers (WR) — shoulder (Giants)
   • Graham Gano (K) — groin (out for game) (Giants)
   • Theo Johnson (TE) — toe (Giants)
   • Rakeem Nunez-Roches (DL) — foot (Giants)
• Limited Participation:
   • Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (LB) — calf (Giants)
   • Chauncey Golston (DL) — ankle (Giants)
   • Art Green (CB) — hip (Giants)
   • Darius Muasau (LB) — concussion, non-contact (Giants)

Also noted elsewhere: John Michael Schmitz (C) is dealing with a neck issue, and Darius Slayton (WR) has a calf concern.
Importantly, Nabers’ status is uncertain — if he sits, Dart’s options in the passing game shrink significantly.

Bottom Line & Key Factors

• The betting markets lean heavily toward the Chargers (often –6 range). (SI)
• If Dart struggles early, the Chargers’ defense can roll — but if New York protects him and earns some rhythm, there might be life.
• The Chargers must survive without some OL/MID injuries and avoid letting New York snag the momentum via turnovers or special teams miscues.
• For New York, protecting Dart, keeping the game close early, and hoping for a blow-up defensive turnover or special teams play are their best paths to staying in it.

Now that you have read this far, here is LACI’s thoughts:

Because of the Chargers defense, lead by the great play of Derwin James, the Chargers will continue to be in every game. In other words, winning in the NFL is never easy, but with the Chargers D playing great, the Chargers look like one of the better teams in the NFL and it shows with their spectacular 3-0 start. So as you like to say: “Defense win Championships”, the Chargers have a great shot with a solid D, plus let’s not forget about Justin Herbert at the control panel. The Chargers have a another huge upside if they can figure out the running game to help control the ball and not “over-work” the Defense. Bolt Up!

Here’s a closer look at the surge by Quentin Johnston in 2025 — what’s changed, what he’s flashing now, and what to keep an eye on:

Quentin Johnston Turning Point & Context

Johnston came into the 2025 season with some baggage — in his first two years, he flashed elite physical traits (size, speed, contested catch ability) but also struggled with consistency and drops.

But early in 2025, he seems to be leveling up. In Week 1 against the Chiefs, Johnston had 5 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns, a performance that many viewed as a statement and a response to the critics. In that game, he also avoided any notable drops — a positive sign given that ball security has been a concern.

Since then, he’s seen steady target volume and high-leverage usage. For example, in Week 3 vs. Denver, Johnston broke a short catch into a 37-yard gain by breaking free and added a dramatic leaping reception despite tight coverage (and opponent pass interference) to put the Chargers in scoring range. That gives a snapshot of how he’s being trusted more, especially downfield.

What Johnston Is Doing Differently

Here are a few traits and changes helping fuel his surge:

• Cleaner technique, fewer drops. The absence of glaring drops early in the season is already a positive shift relative to past patterns.
• Explosive plays after catch. Johnston is turning modest gains into big ones, as seen in the 37-yard burst vs. Denver.
• Consistent target share. He’s been among the top two in targets in recent games behind only Keenan Allen, showing quarterback and offensive confidence in him.
• High-leverage role. The Chargers are using him in difficult route combinations, intermediate-to-deep transitions, and near the red zone.

Things to Watch Going Forward

• Sustainability & consistency. Can he keep up this level without slipping back into bad habits (drops, route-man vs. coverage mistakes)?
• Explosive upside vs. coverage. How will opposing defenses adjust — double teams, bracket coverage — and can he still win contested or down-the-seam throws?
• Red-zone usage. If he becomes a more trusted red-zone target, his scoring upside grows.
• Chemistry with Herbert. Continued trust and timing with Justin Herbert will be crucial. If Johnston keeps delivering, the pairing could become a staple.
• Durability / physical toll. Given his downfield usage and contested catching, staying healthy with that kind of role is nontrivial.