The Baltimore Ravens have sent star wide receiver home Diontae Johnson, one week after he was issued a one-game ban.
Per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the Ravens and Diontae Johnson agreed to excuse him from all team activities. This comes after he was suspended one game for refusing to play in their Week 13 home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach John Harbaugh wouldn’t give many details on the decision to send Johnson home, per Hensley.
“Next week will take care of itself,” Harbaugh said. “There are reasons for doing things,” he added after being asked why they didn’t just release the veteran wideout.
The Ravens acquired Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers ahead of the deadline. Baltimore also acquired a sixth-round selection, sending a fifth-rounder to Carolina in return.
Ravens have excused Diontae Johnson from practice. pic.twitter.com/13yoQPh32h
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2024
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Before he was traded, Johnson had 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. He has been a total non-factor in Baltimore, recording just a single catch for six yards in four game appearances.
Baltimore doesn’t exactly need Johnson if they decide to move on. They have the third-best offense in football, averaging 29.9 points per game.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have spearheaded the offense, with wide receiver Zay Flowers (66 catches for 916 yards and four touchdowns), Rashod Bateman (38-654-7) and Mark Andrews (45-514-8) headlining a deep set of playmakers.
Diontae Johnson Needs A Fresh Start
It’s obvious at this point that it’d be best for the Ravens and Johnson to part ways. The former Pro Bowler was a star with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it didn’t work out on a lowly Carolina team nor has he panned out in a rush-heavy Baltimore offense.
If the Ravens release Johnson, there should be some interest from playoff hopefuls. A reunion with Pittsburgh should be considered, and the banged-up Kansas City Chiefs could use more bodies.
