Just two games into his stay, the Houston Texans have made it official – the team will be waiving wide receiver Diontae Johnson before a crucial divisional-round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach DeMeco Ryans weighed in: “Unfortunately, with Diontae it didn’t work out. We’re on to the Chiefs.”
Johnson Was Not Working for the Texans in Houston
Diontae Johnson’s stint with the Texans was not a very fulfilling, with little playing time and frustration. In the wild-card playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers recently, he played only 15 snaps out of a possible 70 and had just one target, which he caught for 12 yards. After the game, Johnson was visibly upset in the locker room, and teammates Joe Mixon and Azeez Al-Shaair offered words of encouragement.
In all, he caught three balls for 24 yards in five games with the Texans after claiming him off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on December 23. That was the end of what had been quite a tumultuous period for Baltimore, which he left after suspension for one game for refusing to enter a December 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Back to Diontae Johnson’s Career
Before joining the Ravens, Johnson was traded from the Carolina Panthers, where he had accumulated 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns during the season. His NFL journey began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2019 draft. Over four seasons with Pittsburgh, Johnson amassed impressive statistics: 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl selection during his outstanding season in 2021, in which he caught over 1,000 receiving yards and scored an all-time eight touchdown receptions in his career.
Conclusion
When the Texans gear up for the playoffs, their primary goal is to maximize offensive plays without Johnson on the field. The team seeks to improve upon their previous achievements and make deeper runs into the postseason.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of January 15, 2025. Details may change as new developments arise in Diontae Johnson’s career and the Houston Texans’ playoff journey.
