Diontae Johnson’s Shocking Exit: Texans Cut Ties After Controversial Ravens Fallout
The Houston Texans announced on Tuesday that they have waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson, marking yet another chapter in a turbulent season for the veteran player. Johnson, who was previously released by the Baltimore Ravens for refusing to enter a game, played only two games for the Texans after signing with the team late in the season.
A Brief Stint in Houston
Johnson’s time in Houston was short-lived. In the Texans’ wild-card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, Johnson managed just one reception for 12 yards. His contributions to the team were minimal, as he also recorded two receptions for 12 yards in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
Signed in late December as a response to the Texans’ injury woes at wide receiver, Johnson was brought in after standout rookie Tank Dell joined Stefon Diggs on the injured reserve list with a season-ending knee injury. Despite the team’s optimism, the experiment with Johnson ultimately did not pan out.
A Controversial Past
Before joining the Texans, Johnson played four games with the Ravens following a mid-season trade from the Carolina Panthers. However, his tenure in Baltimore ended abruptly after he refused to take the field during a game, leading to his suspension and subsequent release on December 20.
Despite his tumultuous history, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence in Johnson’s potential when the team signed him. On Tuesday, Ryans declined to elaborate on the reasons for Johnson’s release, stating only: “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, and we’re on to the Chiefs.”
A Promising Career Sidetracked
Diontae Johnson’s career began with significant promise. Over six seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he amassed an impressive 4,726 receiving yards. However, his recent struggles have overshadowed his earlier achievements, raising questions about his future in the NFL.
Texans’ Other Roster Moves
In addition to waiving Johnson, the Texans announced that rookie tight end Cade Stover has been placed on injured reserve. Stover, a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State, suffered a shoulder injury during the wild-card game against the Chargers. He recorded four receptions for 28 yards in the game and will require surgery to address the injury.
With Stover sidelined and Johnson no longer on the roster, the Texans face increasing challenges as they prepare for their divisional-round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
What’s Next for the Texans?
The Texans’ decision to part ways with Johnson underscores the team’s focus on maintaining stability and preparing for a tough road game against the No. 1 seed Chiefs. Despite injuries and roster changes, the Texans have demonstrated resilience, with coach Ryans emphasizing a forward-thinking approach.
For Johnson, the future remains uncertain. His talent is undeniable, but his recent history of controversies and lackluster performances may make teams hesitant to take a chance on him.
As the Texans continue their playoff journey, they’ll need to rely on their remaining playmakers to step up. With a strong team effort, they aim to overcome their setbacks and challenge the Chiefs in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
