Texans Waive Diontae Johnson Amidst Roster Changes
As the Houston Texans prepare for their pivotal divisional-round matchup against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, they have made a surprising roster adjustment by waiving wide receiver Diontae Johnson. This move comes before a critical game where the Texans will be without key wideouts Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, emphasizing the challenges they face heading into their playoff campaign.
Johnson, who joined the Texans on December 23 after a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens, played in two games for Houston this season. His performances included a participation in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded two receptions for 12 yards. Additionally, during the Texans' Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson was targeted once and successfully caught a pass for 12 yards while playing 16 offensive snaps, amounting to 22 percent of the game’s offensive plays. Despite these contributions, his time with the Texans was short-lived.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans succinctly commented on the decision, stating, "With Diontae, unfortunately, it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs." This suggests the Texans' focus on adaptability and readiness as they continue their playoff journey, notwithstanding the roster shake-up.
Johnson's Peripatetic Season
Johnson’s journey this season has been marked by frequent moves across the league. After playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he found brief homes with the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens before his stint with the Texans. Earlier in the year, the Ravens traded Johnson to the Panthers along with a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick, showcasing his potential value and the volatility of his NFL tenure this season.
However, his path was not without its bumps. Johnson faced a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team while with the Ravens. These disciplinary issues possibly played a role in his transient status among multiple teams, overshadowed by his commendable record from the 2021 season with the Steelers, when he earned Pro Bowl honors by catching 107 passes for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.
Texans' Offensive Strategy Against the Chiefs
Looking ahead to their showdown with the Chiefs, the Texans will call upon their remaining wide receivers to fill the void left by Johnson’s departure and the absence of Diggs and Dell. The Texans' receiving core now primarily relies on John Metchie III, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson to complement star receiver Nico Collins. Ryans and his coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to maximize this group's potential against a Chiefs team known for their robust defensive capabilities.
While the Texans navigate these changes, their focus remains sharply on a successful postseason run. Johnson's early exit underscores the Texans' willingness to make tough decisions in pursuit of a cohesive and effective team dynamic, a critical factor when they face powerhouse teams deep in the playoffs.
This latest adjustment highlights the often-unpredictable nature of NFL rosters, particularly during the high-stakes playoff period where adaptability can be as crucial as talent. As the Texans head to Kansas City, they will face both the challenge and opportunity of proving the resilience and depth of their roster under pressure.