Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has a well-documented history of sitting out of practices before ultimately suiting up in games. Will that be the case in Week 8 when the Panthers face the Denver Broncos? Let’s examine Johnson’s injury and the latest updates on his status.
What Happened to Diontae Johnson?
Johnson has popped up on the injury in three consecutive weeks and then ultimately suited up. While he was able to play through rib and hamstring injuries in Week 7 against the Washington Commanders, he had a season-low one reception for just 17 yards.
It’s worth noting that he played just 70% of snaps, which was his second-lowest involvement of the season. This could’ve been because the Panthers were getting blown out by the Commanders, but the injury may have played a role.
Johnson continues to deal with his rib injury and didn’t practice on Wednesday. However, it was also listed as a rest day for Johnson.
#Panthers WR Diontae Johnson watched Wednesday’s #NFL practice in street clothes … pic.twitter.com/pGa0RxY1E0
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 23, 2024
It remains to be seen if Johnson will play in Week 8 against the Broncos, but if the last three weeks are any indication, it certainly seems possible. If he does play, he’ll be catching passes from Bryce Young since Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car accident.
Keep an eye on the practice reports throughout the week to see if Johnson can get in a limited practice, and then check the Panthers’ injury report on Friday.
Fantasy Outlook for Johnson and the Panthers
The initial energy that Dalton inserted into this offense was fun, but the magic seems to have died, and Johnson’s fantasy football stock is tanking as a result.
He hasn’t been a top-55 receiver in two of three games this month, and his stumbles appear unlikely to steady this week against a Broncos defense that allows the fourth-fewest yards per slot completion this season.
Patrick Surtain II (concussion) could return to the field this week, and while he wouldn’t project as a Johnson shadow, he would handle the perimeter snaps. That would knock out one path to viability.
Johnson’s volume is no longer something I trust, particularly with Young back under center.
With just 20.3% of Panthers drives crossing the opponents’ 20-yard line (third lowest), you really have to squint to see a profile that matters in anything but the deepest of leagues.
If Johnson misses this game, there’s no pass catcher worth playing from this team. If Johnson can’t maintain fantasy relevance in this offense, don’t expect much from rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.