The Houston Texans have made a surprising move by waiving wide receiver Diontae Johnson just before their big playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision came following Johnson’s limited playing time and visible frustration during his short time with the team.
A Frustrating Experience for Johnson
Diontae Johnson was only with the Texans for a brief period, just two games, after being picked up off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. His time on the field for Houston didn’t go as planned, as he recorded only three catches for a total of 24 yards. In a recent game, Johnson expressed his disappointment about not getting more opportunities. He had one catch for just 12 yards in the Texans’ playoff win against the Los Angeles Chargers, which seemed to amplify his frustrations.
From Baltimore to Houston: A Quick Journey
Before joining the Texans, Johnson had a difficult time in Baltimore. He was waived by the Ravens after a series of events that included refusing to play against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to a one-game suspension. This followed his acquisition from the Carolina Panthers, where he had already experienced a challenging season. The Ravens took a chance on him when they signed him from Carolina, but his performance didn’t meet expectations, prompting them to release him just a few days prior to the Texans picking him up.
Why the Texans Claimed Him
The decision to claim Johnson was initially seen as a strategic move by the Texans, especially after the unfortunate injury to Tank Dell, who suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for the season. Johnson was expected to step up and fill the void left by Dell, showcasing his skills once again after a successful run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. However, his stint with Houston proved to be an uphill battle.
The Numbers Behind the Decision
Here’s a quick look at Diontae Johnson’s recent performance with the Texans:
| Games Played | Catches | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 24 |
Despite his talent and past success, Johnson just didn’t find his groove during his time with the Texans, which ultimately led to their decision to release him.
Looking Ahead
With Johnson now a free agent, he will be looking to find a new team that will allow him to showcase his skills. The Texans are currently shifting their focus to their upcoming playoff game against the Chiefs, where they’ll need all hands on deck. Coach DeMeco Ryans has indicated that the decision to waive Johnson was made to optimize the team’s chances moving forward, ensuring they field the most effective lineup.
Johnson’s Career So Far
Johnson’s career began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he made a name for himself as a reliable receiver. Over five seasons, he recorded impressive stats, including 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. His recent ups and downs, including the brief stints with the Panthers and Ravens, have left many fans wondering where he will land next in the NFL. Johnson’s ability to bounce back will be crucial as he aims to regain his form and make an impact once again in the league.
