Ravens Suspend Diontae Johnson For Refusing To Take Field Against Eagles In Week 13

The Baltimore Ravens announced Wednesday that they are suspending wide receiver Diontae Johnson in Week 15 for refusing to enter a game last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since arriving in Baltimore in a trade with the Panthers, Johnson has only caught one pass in four games.

“We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team,” the Ravens said in a statement on X. “Diontae’s suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles.”

Johnson was in the midst of a very successful season before coming to the Ravens. As a member of the lowly Panthers, he was a focal point on the offense. In Baltimore, he has hardly played any part at all.

Despite expressing excitement about moving to a Super Bowl contender early on, reports suggest that Johnson has soured on his team while struggling to find a foothold. He was reportedly asked to check in last week and refused to do so, an incident that will cost him any chance to play in Week 15. Baltimore is currently on bye, which could have given the team some time to find room for Johnson on the offense under different circumstances.

With all of the ongoing drama, many are returning to an ominous comment Johnson made last month. At the time, the Ravens were preparing for a Week 11 game against the Steelers, the team Johnson played for between 2019 and 2023.

“I still love the Steelers and whatever… I’m a Raven now, but you never know what the future holds,” Johnson said.

While Johnson wallows at the bottom of Baltimore’s depth chart, the team is entering its bye as a Super Bowl contender. The season is far from over, however, as the 8-5 Ravens are still behind the Steelers in the AFC North. It will be difficult to earn a bye with the Chiefs and Bills already well ahead, but winning the division may give Baltimore an easier path.