Texans WR depth chart: How Diontae Johnson can replace injured Tank Dell for 2024 playoff run

Diontae Johnson's stint with the Ravens was a mess, as the wide receiver played in just four games and totaled just one catch and six yards after Baltimore traded for him at the deadline. Due to Johnson's poor on-field performance along with off-field issues with the team, the Ravens waived the wide receiver last week.

On Monday, the Texans claimed Johnson off of waivers for the stretch run as a possible answer to losing Tank Dell for the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Over the weekend, Dell left the Texans' game against the Chiefs with what ended up being a dislocated kneecap and torn ACL, abruptly ending his season.

Dell's injury means that two of Houston's best receivers are out for the season, as the team already lost Stefon Diggs for the year with a torn ACL of his own. However, the Texans have already clinched the AFC South title, so they will need help in the passing game as they prepare for the playoffs.

The Texans play the Ravens on Christmas Wednesday afternoon, and while Johnson would probably prefer to play his former team in his first game as a Texan, the turnaround will be too quick for him to be active. Therefore, Johnson will probably have to wait a week and make his Texans debut in Week 18 against the Titans.

Here is a breakdown of the Texans' depth chart with Johnson now on the squad.

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Houston Texans wide receiver depth chart

With all the injuries at wide receiver, Nico Collins remains vital to the Texans' passing game as the team's top pass-catcher. In his five games since returning from his own injury in November, Collins has totaled 28 catches for 342 yards and three touchdowns.

Houston's next two wide receivers were supposed to be Diggs and Dell, but both players are now out for the season with injuries. That creates more opportunity for John Metchie, who has 17 catches for 182 yards and one touchdown in his second season.

The veteran Robert Woods also becomes more important to the team, as he has 16 catches for 143 yards in 2024. Xavier Hutchinson is also a possibility to play more, but he has just nine catches for 91 yards this season, while Jared Wayne is primarily a special teams player.

Based on talent alone, Johnson is the No. 2 wide receiver among healthy Texans wide receivers. But given the situation, once he's up to speed enough to be on the field, he will likely slot in behind Metchie or Woods.

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Diontae Johnson's 2024 stats

In 2024, Johnson has split time between the Ravens and Panthers, but the vast majority of his production came while playing for Carolina.