Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Ahead of Chiefs Showdown
In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Texans have announced they are parting ways with wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The decision comes on the eve of their pivotal divisional-round matchup against the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs, adding another layer of complexity to the Texans' playoff aspirations.
Johnson's tenure with the Texans was brief yet eventful. He joined the team on December 23, after being released by the Baltimore Ravens. The receiver made appearances in two crucial games for Houston, showing glimpses of the talent that once made him a Pro Bowl standout with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. During that stellar season, Johnson recorded 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, marking himself as one of the league's most formidable receiving talents.
His time with the Texans, however, was more subdued. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson caught two passes, amassing a total of 12 yards. The Wild Card round saw him targeted once against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he managed to secure a 12-yard reception. Johnson played 16 offensive snaps during the Wild Card game, representing 22 percent of the team's offensive total in that contest.
Johnson's 2023 season journeyed through several teams, highlighting a tumultuous year that saw him wearing the colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and ultimately, the Houston Texans. His return to the Ravens was short-lived; he was traded to the Carolina Panthers, along with a sixth-round pick, in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Before finding a temporary home with the Texans, Johnson was suspended for conduct detrimental to a team, a sign of the challenges he's faced off the field.
The Texans' decision to waive Johnson is compounded by their current receiver situation as they head into the game against the Chiefs. The team is already stretched thin at the position with the absence of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. This situation places a spotlight on the remaining receiving corps, with John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson expected to bolster Nico Collins as key targets for the Texans' offense.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans commented on the situation, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." This succinct remark underscores the challenging dynamics of managing a team in the high-stakes environment of the NFL playoffs.
As the Texans prepare for a tough contest against Kansas City, they'll need to rely on their offensive depth and the strategic prowess of their coaching staff to make up for the absence of some key players. Despite the loss of Johnson, the team remains focused on the task at hand.
The Texans’ journey this season, marked by shifting rosters and unexpected changes, speaks to the unpredictable nature of professional football. As the playoffs advance, only time will tell how these moves will impact their quest for postseason success.