Chargers wide receiver John Hightower had another banner day at training camp on Monday. Hightower recorded two touchdowns in seven-on-seven drills and added another score late in practice as the team worked in 11-on-11s.
For the past week, the former Eagle and Boise State product has been one of the top producers in camp to this point. Hightower also got quite the attention and shine while working with Justin Herbert.
Herbert with the long TD to John Hightower! ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ge4v9OPnWy
— Jason Delgado (@JasonDelgado78) July 26, 2023
Now it’s worth pointing out that early training camp stock ups and downs should be taken with a grain of salt. The first week may not have any impact on how the rest of the process plays out. But Hightower’s performance to this point is noteworthy considering the absence of Jalen Guyton. Guyton was placed on the PUP list along with Otito Ogbonnia and Austin Johnson prior to the first day of practice.
As far as the Chargers’ wide receivers currently behind Guyton, Hightower has the skill set that is the most comparable. He ran a 4.43 at his NFL combine and has shown his ability to get behind defenders in the pros.
John Hightower and Greg Ward plays get Eagles within 5
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 23, 2020
How Guyton’s recovery tracks could go a long way into whether or not Hightower has a chance to see the field. If Guyton were to remain on the PUP list going into the season, he’d have to miss the Chargers’ first four games going into the BYE week. While we’re not sure of his condition and recovery quite yet, it’s possible that giving the former North Texas star some extra rest could be under consideration with the early BYE.
The Chargers’ first five receivers are set with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer, and returner Derius Davis. If Guyton does return early enough in camp, his institutional knowledge and connection with Herbert should lock down his roster spot. But Hightower’s initial performance in early training camp could prove critical if Guyton needs more time in his recovery.
