Texans Part Ways with Diontae Johnson Ahead of Chiefs Matchup
In a surprising move, the Houston Texans have waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson, as announced ahead of their anticipated divisional-round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision marks the end of Johnson's brief tenure with the team, during which he managed to make an impression despite limited opportunities on the field.
Johnson's journey this season has been nothing short of a whirlwind, as he has bounced between multiple teams. Originally with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson's path took him through the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens before landing with the Texans on December 23. His stint with the Ravens ended when he was waived, only to find a new home with Houston shortly thereafter.
During his time with the Texans, Johnson participated in two critical games. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson showcased his ability by securing two receptions for 12 yards. The performance, albeit modest, highlighted his potential to contribute under pressure. In the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson made an impact once again with a single 12-yard catch on one target, playing 16 snaps and seeing the field for 22 percent of the offensive plays.
Despite these contributions, the Texans decided to part ways with the receiver. Head coach DeMeco Ryans commented on the decision, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." This statement underscores a pragmatic approach as the Texans prepare for one of the most critical games of their season.
Johnson’s tumultuous season has been characterized not only by frequent team changes but also by a notable incident earlier in the year. While with the Ravens, he was part of a trade to the Panthers, accompanied by a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Moreover, his season was marred by controversy when he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team before joining the Texans. Despite these hurdles, Johnson's talent on the field is undeniable, evidenced by his Pro Bowl performance in 2021 with the Steelers, where he racked up 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Texans find themselves in a challenging position as they approach the game against the Chiefs without key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. The absence of these players places additional pressure on the remaining receiving corps. To shoulder this burden, the team will rely heavily on John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to support the dynamic Nico Collins in their offensive efforts against Kansas City.
Houston’s decision to release Johnson reflects a strategic choice to streamline their roster and focus on cohesion and performance against formidable opponents. As the Texans brace for a critical confrontation with the Chiefs, all eyes will be on how their revamped lineup performs under the postseason spotlight.
The Texans' encounter with the Chiefs now looms large, with roster decisions like the release of Johnson potentially making a significant impact on the outcome. With a reshuffled receiving lineup, Houston aims to pull off an upset in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.