Texans Make Strategic Move by Claiming Diontae Johnson Amidst Injury Woes
In a move that has stirred up quite the buzz in the NFL community, the Houston Texans have claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers. This development was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and it comes at a crucial time for the Texans, who are grappling with significant injuries in their receiving corps.
The timing of this acquisition is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the unfortunate news that wide receiver Tank Dell has suffered a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap. This injury occurred during the Texans’ 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The loss of Dell is a significant blow to the Texans’ offensive lineup, making the acquisition of Johnson all the more critical.
Johnson’s journey to the Texans has been anything but smooth. The Baltimore Ravens waived Johnson on Friday, marking the end of a tumultuous seven-week stint with the team. His time with the Ravens was marred by controversy, including a suspension for refusing to play in a December 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles and being excused from team activities the following week.
Johnson’s brief tenure with the Ravens saw him play only 39 snaps, during which he caught a single pass for 6 yards. This lack of impact was a stark contrast to his previous performances, and it ultimately led to his release. The Texans, however, are hopeful that Johnson can rediscover his form and contribute to their offense, especially with their current shortage of healthy receivers.
Adding to the intrigue, the Texans are set to host the Ravens on Christmas Day, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic encounter. With Johnson now on the Texans’ roster, all eyes will be on how he performs against his former team.
The Texans’ receiving lineup has been severely depleted this season. Beyond their star wideout Nico Collins, the team has also lost Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL earlier in the season. This has left the Texans relying on players like John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to fill the void.
Johnson’s journey through the NFL has been a rollercoaster. The Carolina Panthers acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season began. During his time with the Panthers, Johnson recorded 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns before being traded to the Ravens.
His most notable achievements came during his time with the Steelers, who drafted him in the third round of the 2019 draft. Johnson amassed 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns in Pittsburgh. His standout season came in 2021 when he earned a Pro Bowl nod, achieving his only 1,000-yard season and a career-high eight touchdown receptions in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s final year.
As the season progresses, Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent, adding another layer of intrigue to his current stint with the Texans. His performance in the coming games could significantly impact his future in the league.
- Texans claim Diontae Johnson off waivers.
- Tank Dell suffers torn ACL and dislocated kneecap.
- Johnson’s tumultuous stint with the Ravens ends.
- Texans face the Ravens on Christmas Day.
- Johnson’s future as an unrestricted free agent.
With the Texans’ receiving corps in dire need of reinforcements, the addition of Diontae Johnson could prove to be a pivotal move. As the team prepares for their upcoming clash with the Ravens, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for both Johnson and the Texans.
Originally Written by: ESPN
