The Baltimore Ravens announced Wednesday that they have suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Eric DeCosta confirmed that the suspension stemmed from Johnson’s refusal to enter the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. DeCosta described the decision as a “difficult” one but emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline. Johnson will miss the Ravens’ upcoming game against the New York Giants on December 15. The Ravens are currently on a bye week, which gives them time to address the situation.
Johnson’s suspension comes after a puzzling absence during the Ravens’ 24-19 loss to the Eagles. Although he was suited up, Johnson did not play a single snap in the game. This was especially odd since starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman was sidelined in the second half with a knee injury, creating an opportunity for Johnson to step in. Instead, Johnson spent most of the game standing on the sideline by a heater, which raised questions about his status with the team.
Since being acquired by the Ravens from the Carolina Panthers on October 29, Johnson has played just 39 snaps and has recorded only one catch for six yards. This marks a significant decline in his production, especially considering he had been the Panthers’ leading receiver before the trade, with 30 receptions, 357 yards, and three touchdowns in seven games. His decreased role in Baltimore could hurt his prospects heading into free agency this offseason.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh had been noncommittal about Johnson’s future with the team, further fueling uncertainty. The Panthers traded Johnson to Baltimore for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round selection, a low-risk move for the Ravens as the Panthers covered most of his salary. If the Ravens release Johnson, they would forfeit any potential compensatory draft pick for 2026.
Baltimore’s top wide receivers are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor, with the team ranking third in the NFL for passing yards. Following the game against the Eagles, quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke about staying positive and keeping Johnson motivated. He stressed that the Ravens did not trade for Johnson “for nothing,” indicating the team’s desire to integrate him into their plans. Johnson, a third-round pick in 2019 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns across his time with Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Baltimore.
