Houston Texans Waive Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson
As the Houston Texans gear up to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in their looming divisional-round showdown, they've made the decision to waive wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This move, surprising to some, comes amid roster adjustments and game strategy as Head Coach DeMeco Ryans elucidated, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs."
Brief Stint with the Texans
Johnson's time with the Texans was brief yet eventful. The wide receiver was picked up by Houston on December 23 after parting ways with the Baltimore Ravens. During his short tenure, he participated in two games. Notably, in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to snag two passes totaling 12 yards. In the Wild Card match against the Los Angeles Chargers, he was targeted once and also caught a pass for 12 yards while playing 16 snaps, which accounted for 22 percent of the Texans' offensive plays in that game.
A Journeyman Season
This year has certainly been a whirlwind for Johnson, who found himself hopping between teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and finally, the Texans. His career moves included a trade from the Ravens to the Panthers, which bundled him and a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Earlier this season, Johnson also faced a suspension for conduct detrimental to his then-team, the Baltimore Ravens, before finally making his way to Houston.
Once a Pro Bowl receiver with an impressive 2021 stint in Pittsburgh where he notched up 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns, Johnson's current situation marks an unpredictable chapter in his football journey.
Looking Ahead to the Chiefs Game
With Johnson now out of the equation, the Texans will confront the Chiefs without some key receivers, as Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are also unavailable. This leaves John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to step up and provide vital support to the leading receiver, Nico Collins. As the Texans attempt to navigate these challenges, the team remains focused on the ultimate prize: a victory over the formidable Kansas City powerhouse.
With a season full of turnovers and uncertainties, adapting remains a critical test for the Texans. The coming face-off with the Chiefs will undoubtedly demand their best efforts, and perhaps a bit of the unexpected, as they push towards their goals.