Diontae Johnson’s absence in Eagles loss fuels unprecedented speculation

When the Baltimore Ravens traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson, it was celebrated as a pivotal move to elevate their offense. Johnson’s track record as a reliable pass-catcher was supposed to complement Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber season and add even more firepower to an already dynamic unit. Yet, in Sunday’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson didn’t see a single snap, leaving fans bewildered.

It wasn’t just fans raising eyebrows. Jackson himself addressed Johnson’s absence after the game. Meanwhile, head coach John Harbaugh remained cryptic when asked about the situation.

The lack of clarity, combined with the team’s struggles on offense, has fueled questions about whether the Ravens are maximizing the talent they worked hard to acquire.

What is going on with Diontae Johnson and the Baltimore Ravens?

Johnson’s role, or lack thereof, has been a topic of discussion since he arrived in Baltimore. Despite his clear potential to enhance the Ravens’ passing game, Johnson has struggled to carve out a consistent role. In his first two games with the team, he was barely utilized, playing just 17 snaps against Denver and seeing only two targets the following week.

After those games, Johnson posted a cryptic tweet, "It's always two sides to a story."

While his comment wasn’t overtly negative, it hinted at some underlying tension or miscommunication. Whether it’s related to playbook familiarity, coaching philosophy, or something behind the scenes, Johnson’s integration into the offense has been anything but smooth.

The Ravens needed all hands on deck against Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense, but Johnson didn’t even dress for the game. Baltimore’s offense stalled repeatedly, especially in the second half, as they failed to convert critical drives into points. For a team that traded for Johnson to be a difference-maker, leaving him out entirely felt like a misstep.

Jackson’s frustration with the situation underscores how much Johnson’s absence is being felt. This is a player who was supposed to alleviate some of the pressure on Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, giving Jackson another reliable target.

Instead, Johnson has become a question mark at a time when the Ravens need answers.

The Ravens’ cautious approach to integrating Johnson may have been understandable at first, but the excuses are starting to wear thin. As the season heads into its most crucial stretch, Baltimore can’t afford to keep Johnson sidelined or underutilized.

It’s evident that Johnson is eager to contribute and be part of the team’s success. Now, it’s up to Harbaugh and the coaching staff to find a way to involve him. This could mean simplifying the playbook, adjusting personnel packages, or simply allowing him to prove himself on the field. The Ravens need to act quickly.

There's speculation Johnson arrived at the game late, and his zero snaps served as a punishment for not being on time. However, there are no reports to suggest the rumors are true.

Baltimore didn’t trade for Diontae Johnson “for nothing,” as Jackson put it. If this team is serious about making a deep playoff run, it’s time to start using all their weapons. That includes Johnson.

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