Houston Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Before Crucial Playoff Match
In a surprising roster move ahead of their pivotal divisional-round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans have waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This decision comes just weeks after the Texans acquired Johnson, bringing another chapter to a turbulent season for the player.
Johnson's Brief Stint with the Texans
Johnson joined the Texans late in the regular season, signing with the team on December 23 after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens. During his short tenure with the Texans, Johnson appeared in two games, making modest contributions on the field. He caught two passes for a total of 12 yards in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans. During the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson was targeted once, hauling in a 12-yard pass while playing 16 offensive snaps, accounting for 22 percent of the offense's plays.
Despite these performances, Johnson's time with Houston has come to an abrupt end. Head coach DeMeco Ryans succinctly addressed the decision, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs."
A Season of Transition
This release marks yet another transition in what has been a turbulent year for Johnson. The wide receiver started the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers but found himself moving across several teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, before landing in Houston. His journey with the Ravens included a trade to the Panthers. Baltimore sent Johnson and a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick to Carolina.
However, his stint with the Ravens was marred by difficulties, culminating in a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. This setback eventually led to his release and brief tenure with Houston, where he hoped to contribute to a late-season playoff push.
Reminders of Former Glory
Johnson's career trajectory seems a far cry from his remarkable 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he established himself as one of the league's top receivers. That year, Johnson secured a Pro Bowl selection by amassing 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns, emerging as a key offensive weapon for the Steelers.
Texans' Receiving Corps without Johnson
Looking ahead to their high-stakes encounter with the Chiefs, the Texans will be without wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. This situation places the onus on Nico Collins to lead the receiving unit, with support from John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson. The Texans will need this group to step up and fill the void left by absences, including that of the recently released Johnson.
As the Texans focus on their upcoming challenge, Johnson's departure highlights the often unpredictable nature of an NFL career. For now, neither Johnson nor the Texans can afford to dwell on what might have been, with both parties needing to focus their efforts on the immediate future, albeit along separate paths.
For Houston, the attention now turns to securing a victory over the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, a team known for their explosive plays and defensive prowess. As the playoffs progress, the Texans hope that their remaining playmakers can rise to the occasion, providing the necessary spark to keep their postseason dreams alive.