The Houston Texans made a surprising move on Monday, claiming wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers after the season-ending injury to Tank Dell. Dell, a key contributor to the Texans’ offense, suffered a dislocated kneecap, torn ACL, and additional leg damage during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, effectively ending his 2024 campaign.
Johnson’s departure from the Baltimore Ravens came just a week prior after a short and tumultuous stint. The wide receiver had been with the Ravens for only two months before the team waived him. His time in Baltimore ended on a sour note when he was suspended for refusing to play in the Ravens’ Week 13 matchup. This sudden shift in his NFL journey brings Johnson back to a familiar situation, as the Texans and Ravens will square off on Christmas Day in what promises to be an awkward reunion for the receiver and his former team.
During his brief tenure in Baltimore, Johnson struggled to make an impact. He played in only four games and managed just one reception for six yards, a far cry from the productive performances he had with the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season. With the Panthers, Johnson played seven games and totaled 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns. His time in Baltimore, however, was a failed experiment as he was unable to contribute significantly to the offense.
The 2024 season has seen Johnson move through four teams—starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to Carolina, then Baltimore, and now Houston. Despite his struggles, Johnson finds himself on a playoff-bound Texans team that clinched the AFC South title. With Dell now out for the rest of the season, Johnson will look to step up and help the Texans make a deep postseason run.
For Johnson, this move is an opportunity to redeem himself and prove he can be a valuable asset to a playoff-contending team. The Texans, now aiming for postseason success, will hope that Johnson can add depth to their receiving corps in the absence of Dell. The upcoming game against the Ravens will certainly be a moment of reflection for Johnson as he faces his former team just days after being waived.
