Texans Part Ways with Diontae Johnson Ahead of Crucial Playoff Game
The Houston Texans have made a strategic roster change, releasing wide receiver Diontae Johnson just days before a pivotal divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson, whose journey through various NFL teams this season has been nothing short of turbulent, joined the Texans’ roster after being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23.
A Short-Lived Tenure in Houston
Johnson's stint with the Texans was brief yet noteworthy. He participated in two games for Houston, stepping in during critical moments at the tail end of the regular season. In the Texans’ regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Johnson managed to catch two passes, covering a total of 12 yards. His contribution continued into the playoffs, where he caught one pass for 12 yards in Houston's wild-card round triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers. Johnson was on the field for 16 offensive snaps during this playoff matchup, amounting to roughly 22% of the team’s offensive plays.
A Year of Transitions
2021 has been a year of constant change for Johnson, marked by trades and waivers. His journey began with the Pittsburgh Steelers before transitioning to the Carolina Panthers and then the Baltimore Ravens, all within the same year. In October, Baltimore acquired Johnson from the Panthers, exchanging a fifth-round draft pick for a sixth-round counterpart. His stint with the Ravens, however, was marred by a suspension in Week 15 due to conduct detrimental to the team, adding to his series of off-field challenges.
Throughout the season, Johnson has found himself traded twice and waived twice, underscoring the difficulties he faced in securing a steady home in the league. Despite these challenges, his career statistics remain impressive. Over 77 games, Johnson has accrued 391 receptions, amassing more than 4,363 yards and reaching the end zone 25 times. In 2021, while with the Steelers, he achieved a career highlight with a Pro Bowl selection, thanks to his outstanding performance of 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Future Prospects for the Texans
With Johnson's departure, the Texans are turning their focus to a mix of seasoned and emerging talent to fill the gap. John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson are expected to step up as the team prepares for its encounter with the Chiefs. Meanwhile, Nico Collins remains a standout as the leading receiver for Houston as they advance deeper into the playoffs.
The decision to release Johnson ahead of an important matchup reflects Houston's commitment to optimizing their roster and strategy to enhance their postseason chances. As the Texans gear up for their showdown against Kansas City, they will undoubtedly rely on their established receiving core alongside emerging prospects to maintain their competitive edge.
The move underscores the dynamic nature of NFL rosters, particularly during the playoff stretch, where teams are compelled to make critical decisions that could impact their championship aspirations. While Diontae Johnson's time with the Texans has been short, it illustrates the often-transient careers of many professional athletes and the need for adaptability in a constantly shifting sports landscape.