Texans Part Ways with Diontae Johnson Ahead of Pivotal Match
In a surprising development, the Houston Texans waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson just before their crucial divisional-round clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. This move marks the end of a brief yet eventful chapter for Johnson with the Texans.
Johnson's stint in Houston began in late December after he was waived by the Baltimore Ravens. He quickly made his presence felt by participating in two games for his new team. In the Texans' regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson caught two passes for a modest 12 yards. During the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson was targeted once and capitalized with another 12-yard reception. Johnson saw limited action during the Wild Card game, playing 16 snaps and participating in 22 percent of the offensive plays.
This season has been something of a whirlwind for Johnson, who has donned the uniforms of four NFL teams. Starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he then moved to the Carolina Panthers before joining the Baltimore Ravens, and ultimately becoming a part of the Houston Texans. His journey with the Ravens involved a trade where he, along with a sixth-round pick, was exchanged for the Panthers' fifth-round pick.
Despite his promising abilities evidenced by his Pro Bowl season with the Steelers in 2021, where he caught 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, Johnson's season was marred by a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. This off-field issue kept him from solidifying a long-term position with any of his teams this year.
As the Texans prepare for their matchup against the formidable Chiefs without Johnson, they face additional challenges. Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell will also be absent from the lineup. This leaves John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to shoulder the receiving responsibilities alongside Nico Collins in the upcoming game.
The departure of Johnson emphasizes Houston's commitment to focus on the players who align with the team's strategy and goals. Reflecting on the decision, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed a forward-looking sentiment, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." This statement underscores the rapidly shifting dynamics within the NFL and the need for teams to adapt swiftly to changing lineups and strategies.
The Texans' release of Johnson is a reminder of the oft-unpredictable nature of professional football, where player movements and team strategies must constantly evolve to meet both immediate and long-term objectives. As the Texans confront the Chiefs, they will strive to overcome the absence of key players and capitalize on the strengths of those still available, continuing a season marked by adversity and resilience.