Diontae Johnson and Ravens Part Ways for Now After One Game Suspension
Diontae Johnson’s Continued Absence from Ravens Raises Questions
The saga surrounding wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the Baltimore Ravens takes another unexpected turn this week. The Ravens and Johnson have mutually agreed to excuse the veteran wideout from all team activities leading up to their crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. This decision adds to an already dramatic stretch for Johnson, who has struggled to find his place with the Ravens since his mid-season trade.
In a statement released on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh focused on preparing his team for the important matchup against Pittsburgh, which currently sits one game ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North standings. “All I’m really thinking about right now is Pittsburgh and getting our team ready for Pittsburgh,” Harbaugh said during his Monday press conference, according to The Athletic. “He won’t be here this week and next week will take care of itself.”
This latest development comes after Johnson was suspended for one game on December 4, following his refusal to enter the Ravens’ Week 13 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. The suspension, coupled with the Ravens’ Week 14 bye, meant that Johnson missed Baltimore’s victory over the New York Giants, with expectations that he would return to the team in Week 15. However, his absence continues, as he remains excused from activities this week, deepening the mystery surrounding his future with the Ravens.
Harbaugh addressed the situation on Monday, explaining that there are “reasons” behind the decision, though he refrained from going into specific details. “There are reasons for doing things, front office type reasons,” Harbaugh noted when questioned about why the team hasn’t just released Johnson. “I want to think about Pittsburgh and the guys who are going to be here getting ready to play Pittsburgh. That’s my focus 100 percent.”
Since joining the Ravens in a mid-season trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson has struggled to become a consistent factor in the team’s passing game. Despite the high expectations that come with a talented receiver like Johnson, he has failed to make an impact, with many questioning his role in the offense.
The Ravens, currently 9-5, are in a tight race for the AFC North crown, with the Pittsburgh Steelers holding a slight lead at 10-4. The Ravens need every player on board, making Johnson’s continued absence even more concerning as they approach one of the most pivotal games of their season. With the Steelers in front, the Ravens are hoping to secure a playoff spot and possibly clinch the division.
It’s unclear what the future holds for Diontae Johnson in Baltimore. The decision to mutually part ways temporarily signals that the relationship between Johnson and the team might be strained. However, with Harbaugh focused entirely on Pittsburgh and the game ahead, it seems the Ravens are doing their best to keep the situation under control for the time being.
This saga is far from over, and as Baltimore continues its playoff push, the status of Johnson remains a storyline to watch. The receiver’s future with the Ravens could be determined in the coming weeks, but for now, the team’s priority remains on securing the win that could keep their playoff hopes alive.
