The Houston Texans Say Goodbye to Diontae Johnson
In a surprising turn of events, the Houston Texans have decided to waive wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This decision came just ahead of the Texans' critical divisional-round matchup against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs. Diontae’s journey with the Texans was short-lived, having joined the team on December 23 after his stint with the Baltimore Ravens came to an early end.
A Brief Tenure with the Texans
Johnson's time on the field for the Texans was limited to just two games. In the season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he managed to snag two passes, covering a modest 12 yards. His participation continued into the postseason during the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Here, he was targeted once and caught a pass for another 12 yards, playing 16 snaps, which constituted 22 percent of the Texans' offensive plays during that game. Unfortunately, Diontae's post-season contributions weren’t enough to secure his spot on the roster.
A Rollercoaster Year
This year seemed particularly tumultuous for Diontae Johnson, as he played for an array of teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Carolina Panthers, the Baltimore Ravens, and finally the Houston Texans. His stint with the Panthers resulted from a trade where he, along with a sixth-round pick, was exchanged for a fifth-round pick. His tenure with the Ravens ended on a sour note due to a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, leading to his pickup by the Texans.
A Pro Bowl Legacy
Back in 2021, Diontae Johnson’s prowess on the field was undeniable. Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he earned Pro Bowl accolades by catching 107 passes, racking up 1,161 yards, and delivering eight touchdowns. Despite his rocky 2023 season, these past glories highlight the potential still residing within him.
Facing the Chiefs Shorthanded
The Texans are now heading to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs without key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. It's a challenging setup, but the team will look to John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to bolster their receiving corps alongside Nico Collins. Commenting on the situation, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans remarked, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." It’s a straightforward yet resolute statement that signals the team’s intention to move forward, despite the roster changes.
As the Texans prepare to face one of the most formidable teams in the league, they’ll need every ounce of strategy and determination. While Diontae Johnson may no longer be part of their plans, the Texans are clearly focused on overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.