Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Ahead of Chiefs Showdown
The Houston Texans made a bold roster move, waiving wide receiver Diontae Johnson shortly before their pivotal divisional-round clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. This latest development adds to the tumultuous season for Johnson, who has journeyed through multiple NFL teams in the past year.
Johnson's stint with the Texans was brief, signing with the team on December 23 after his release from the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his potential and past performances, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he amassed an impressive 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, Johnson struggled to find footing with his new team.
Brief Tenure in Houston
During his time in Houston, Johnson managed to step onto the field in just two games. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he caught two passes totaling 12 yards. In the succeeding Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson was slightly more involved, being targeted once and catching a single pass for another 12 yards. He participated in 16 snaps on offense, accounting for 22 percent of the offensive plays during the game.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans voiced the team's position on the decision, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." These words reflect a pragmatic approach as the Texans shift their focus to overcoming the Chiefs without Johnson in their ranks.
A Well-Traveled Season
This year has seen Johnson traverse multiple franchises, marking appearances with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and finally, the Houston Texans. His journey began with the Steelers, leading to a brief stint with the Panthers after a trade from the Ravens, which included a sixth-round pick exchange for a fifth-round pick. His time with the Panthers was overshadowed by a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, leading to another change of scenery.
His current exit from the Texans epitomizes the unpredictable nature of a career that has had significant highs, such as the 2021 Pro Bowl recognition, and the lows of frequent transitions between teams in a single season.
Texans Adjust Offensive Lineup
The Texans are now preparing to face the formidable Kansas City Chiefs without not only Johnson, but also missing key receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. The responsibility of bolstering the receiving corps will fall to John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson, who will aim to provide strong support for wide receiver Nico Collins.
This reshuffle in the Texans' lineup highlights the challenges posed by injuries and player movements in professional football. As the Texans continue to adapt and strategize, the focus remains firmly on securing a victory against a determined Chiefs team.
For now, Diontae Johnson's future in the NFL remains uncertain. His knack for landing opportunities with different teams demonstrates his persistency and the talent that initially earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. As the playoffs advance, Johnson will have to seek his next opportunity elsewhere, aiming to once again showcase his skills and potentially find a more stable footing in the league.