Diontae Johnson might be a member of the Houston Texans, but his impact on Wednesday’s Christmas matchup against his former team could be scarce.
One could argue that it’ll be invisible.
With the Texans being on a short week and Johnson being claimed off waivers Monday afternoon, it seems unlikely that the former Baltimore Ravens pass-catcher will see action against Lamar Jackson and the AFC North franchise at NRG Stadium.
When asked about adding a receiver following a season-ending injury to Tank Dell, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said it wasn’t off the table, though it would be challenging to get them involved in a gameplan by the end of Tuesday’s walkthrough.
“It’s hard to add anyone when we play in two days,” Ryans said Monday. “It’s unrealistic that someone is coming in and playing for us on Wednesday. We’re rolling with what we have and what we have is good. I really like all of our guys.”
Texans claim WR Diontae Johnson off waivers. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/CFxrlDz3ii
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2024
Johnson, 29, was waived by the Ravens last week after he refused to play in their Week 13 game against the Eagles. He spent seven weeks with the team but only played in four games.
Still, the Texans are hopeful they’ll get the version of Johnson Baltimore traded for back in October amid a playoff run over the next month. Talent-wise, he’s a reliable target capable of turning into a quality No. 1 threat in any passing attack.
Before being traded to Baltimore, Johnson served as the Carolina Panthers’ top target, hauling in 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. He also collected over 100 receptions and 1,110 yards during the 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Diontae Johnson is the best receiving talent you could hope to add to a roster in Week 15
He’s perfect for the Stefon Diggs/Tank Dell plays that this offense suddenly has a huge vacancy for.
Should play really well with C.J. Stroud #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/rejvYJInFT
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) December 23, 2024
Ryans said that while the loss of Dell stings, he likes the talent returning behind Nico Collins at receiver on a short week. John Metchie III is expected back after missing Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury.
“[I] like how our guys work and they understand what we’re asking of them and we’re going to go out and compete,” Ryans said.
A 2019 third-round pick out of Toldeo, Johnson has totaled 422 receptions for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns in six seasons with the Steelers, Panthers and Ravens.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.