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Texans Waive Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson Ahead of Chiefs Clash
In a decisive move that marks another chapter in Diontae Johnson's tumultuous season, the Houston Texans have waived the wide receiver before their much-anticipated divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This decision punctuates Johnson's brief and eventful tenure with the Texans, spanning less than a month yet filled with notable gameplay moments and behind-the-scenes challenges.
Johnson's stint with the Texans began on December 23, following his waiver from the Baltimore Ravens. During his brief period with Houston, Johnson featured in two critical games. He participated in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, where he managed to secure two passes, totaling 12 yards. His contribution continued into the Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he was targeted once and made a 12-yard catch.
The Wild Card game saw Johnson actively involved, playing 16 snaps and accounting for 22 percent of the offensive plays. Despite these efforts, his contributions couldn’t ensure a more extended stay with the team. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans explained the decision succinctly, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." His words capture the harsh realities of professional sports where team dynamics and strategic decisions often necessitate tough calls.
During the current NFL season, Johnson’s journey has been a whirlwind, featuring tenures with four different teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and finally, the Houston Texans. His exit from the Ravens to the Panthers came via a trade that included a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round selection. This was just another installment in what has become a season characterized by transitions and adjustments.
Challenges for Johnson this season were not limited to team changes. His tenure with the Panthers was interrupted by a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Despite these setbacks, Johnson’s career harbors bright highlights. Notably, he was a Pro Bowl receiver during the 2021 season with the Steelers, boasting impressive statistics of 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. Such past performances underscore the potential he carries, making his recent challenges all the more compelling.
As the Texans head into their showdown with the Chiefs, the receiver lineup will feel the absence not only of Johnson but also of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. This leaves John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to step up alongside Nico Collins. The seasoned corps will need to rise to the occasion against a formidable Kansas City lineup, leveraging both experience and youthful energy.
The Texans' decision to waive Johnson reflects the fluid nature of roster changes in the NFL, especially as teams navigate injuries and strategic shifts. For Johnson, the hope now rests on finding another franchise where he can stabilize his career and harness the form that once saw him become a Pro Bowl standout. As the league continues through the playoffs, the narrative of players like Johnson highlights the balance between individual aspirations and team objectives, a core theme that keeps professional sports riveting and unpredictable.