Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Ahead of Crucial Matchup
As the Houston Texans prepare for their highly anticipated divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, they have made a significant roster change by waiving wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The move, announced shortly before the matchup, ends Johnson's brief stint with the Texans, adding yet another chapter to his tumultuous season.
Johnson's journey in the NFL has been nothing short of eventful this year. He initially played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, demonstrating his capabilities that once earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. That season, he showcased his potential by catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. However, the wide receiver's journey hit some hurdles this year, leading him to play for multiple teams, including the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens, before joining the Texans.
It's worth noting that Johnson's tenure with the Texans was brief yet noteworthy. He joined the team on December 23 after being waived by the Ravens following a trade to the Panthers. His arrival in Houston came after he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team by the Ravens, casting a shadow on his potential contributions.
During his short time with the Texans, Johnson appeared in two games and had moments that hinted at his past capabilities. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he caught two passes for a total of 12 yards. In the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he registered one catch for 12 yards after being targeted once, playing a total of 16 snaps on offense, which accounted for 22 percent of the offensive snaps in that game. However, these contributions were not enough for him to secure a spot for the Texans' crucial clash against the Chiefs.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the situation surrounding Johnson, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." This sentiment reflects the Texans' focus on moving forward in what promises to be a challenging matchup, especially with key receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell unavailable for the game.
In Johnson's absence, the Texans will lean on a depleted receiving corps. Key players such as John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are expected to support leading receiver Nico Collins. This reshuffling of the roster puts additional pressure on the Texans as they strive to keep their playoff hopes alive against a formidable Kansas City team.
The decision to waive a receiver of Johnson's caliber and potential may seem surprising, but it highlights the dynamic nature of NFL rosters and the intense pressure teams face during the playoffs. As the Texans look to make a statement against the Chiefs, they will rely on their available players to step up and fill the void left by Johnson as well as their other absent receivers.
In conclusion, Diontae Johnson's season reflects the fluctuating fortunes of an NFL player, marked by both highlights and setbacks. His brief tenure with the Texans is yet another chapter in a year defined by changes and challenges. As the Texans prepare to battle against the Chiefs, they do so with a determined outlook, ready to compete at the highest level, even in the face of adversity.