Per Joe Person of The Athletic, it's only a matter of time before the Carolina Panthers trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson (rib). The 28-year-old is the most vied wideout on the market right now, and it appears he'll be shipped off to a contender before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. At this point, his most likely destinations are San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Washington, or "an AFC contender such as Los Angeles (Chargers) or Houston." It's an exciting development, as a move would instantly boost Johnson's fantasy value. With the deadline a week away, expect this situation to escalate quickly. We've already seen a few wideouts change hands over the last few weeks, and with the Panthers reeling at 1-7 -- the long-time Pittsburgh Steeler should be the next on the move. Fantasy managers who have held onto him may be handsomely rewarded in short order.
Oct 29, 2024 12:18 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is expected to be traded before the trade deadline according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter reported this on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday afternoon. The veteran wideout was held out of action this past Sunday due to a rib injury. However, he has performed very well at times this season in Carolina. During Weeks 3 through 6, Johnson averaged an impressive 18.3 PPR points after struggling during the opening two weeks of the campaign. Johnson remains an intriguing buy-low candidate for redraft purposes as he will likely join a much more positive fantasy environment during the stretch run of the season. Fantasy managers who currently roster Johnson should continue to hold him on their roster as better days are likely ahead.
Oct 28, 2024 1:22 PM EST
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Carolina Panthers have received multiple calls about wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs) and his availability ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Reportedly, the Panthers are looking to receive a mid-round draft pick as compensation for the 28-year-old wideout. Per Schefter, he and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk are the hottest names on the market, and "it wouldn't be a surprise to see at least one of -- and possibly both" traded. We've already seen three top-flight wide receivers shipped off to contending teams thus far, and according to Schefter, "more trades are expected." Johnson has been ruled out for Week 8 due to a rib injury that forced him to miss the week of practice, and it's apparently highly likely he joins a new squad before the deadline. Stay tuned.
Oct 26, 2024 9:45 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs) was ruled out for Week 8 according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 28-year-old was unable to participate in any practices this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 9 to face the New Orleans Saints. In addition, starting quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) is considered doubtful which would leave presumed starter Bryce Young without his top wideout. Fantasy managers should expect rookie Xavier Legette to lead the air attack with Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Coker behind him. Legette is worth a look as a high-end WR3 from a volume perspective but faces a tough challenge against the Denver Broncos who have allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts.
Oct 25, 2024 12:46 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (rib) did not practice on Thursday due to a rib injury. The veteran was also absent from Wednesday's practice, but it's worth noting he logged two straight "DNPs" to begin last week's preparation and still suited up against the Washington Commanders. Johnson could still play in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, so fantasy managers should monitor his status. However, Bryce Young will start on Sunday in place of the injured Andy Dalton (thumb), which is bad news for Johnson's potential fantasy outlook. With Young under center in Week 1 and Week 2, Johnson scored a combined 5.9 half-PPR points. With Dalton at QB, he scored at least 16.8 fantasy points in three of six games. The Broncos have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs, so Johnson is a clear sit candidate on Sunday.
Oct 24, 2024 2:58 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (rib, rest) was not seen on the practice field on Wednesday. Johnson has missed some practice time recently but hasn't missed any games and should be good to go for Week 8 against the Denver Broncos as long as he returns to the practice field in the next two days. In the 40-7 Week 7 loss to the Washington Commanders, Carolina's entire offense struggled, and Johnson hauled in just one of his three targets for a 17-yard gain. Quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) was involved in a car accident on Tuesday and won't play this Sunday against Denver, pushing second-year signal-caller back into a starting role against a top-five defense. Johnson had five catches for 34 yards and no TDs in the first two weeks with Young throwing him the ball. Another dud could be coming for Johnson, especially if cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) is back for the Broncos.
Oct 23, 2024 3:20 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) is officially active for Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. Johnson figures to operate as the Panthers' top receiver and could thrive with a favorable matchup and a negative game script. He has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center and will continue to rank as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 this week.
Oct 20, 2024 2:50 PM EST
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle, rib) is expected to play in Sunday's meeting with the Commanders. The wideout has battled a few injuries of late, keeping him off the practice field on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday. But his anticipated return is certainly good news for a Carolina team that has struggled all season. With that in mind, Johnson, scoring a touchdown in three of his last four games, is a must-start for the favorable matchup against Washington, assuming he officially gets the green light. However, his presence could result in fewer opportunities for Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo on the receiving end.
Oct 20, 2024 12:16 AM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle, hamstring, ribs) was "limited" on Friday's injury report with hamstring and ribs injuries, in addition to an ankle injury that he's dealt with the last two weeks. Johnson is officially considered questionable to play on Sunday in Week 7 against the hosting Washington Commanders. Canales said that Johnson "looked good" and was "moving around quickly" on Friday before his rib injury popped up. It still seems like the 28-year-old is on the right side of questionable this weekend, but his status is one to monitor going into Saturday, especially with Carolina playing in the later slate on Sunday. Johnson has been a must-start in fantasy with Andy Dalton at QB. If Johnson were to miss the Week 7 contest, rookie Xavier Legette would operate as the WR1, with Jonathan Mingo and rookie Jalen Coker seeing bigger roles.
Oct 18, 2024 7:12 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle/ribs/hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, according to David Newton of ESPN. Johnson has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury over the past few weeks but has been able to play through it. However, this week, Johnson did not participate in Wednesday and Thursday's practice sessions and only returned on Friday at a limited capacity. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding the 28-year-old during the weekend. If he can play, Johnson should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR2 facing a weak Washington secondary who have allowed the 28th-most points to opposing wideouts. If he sits out, Xavier Legette should see increased opportunities and be a viable high-end WR3.
Oct 18, 2024 12:59 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.
Oct 17, 2024 2:19 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. Johnson has been dealing with the injury for a couple of weeks so his lack of participation in a Wednesday practice should come as no surprise. Still, his practice participation should be monitored leading up to the weekend. Johnson has come alive with quarterback Andy Dalton under center. He has earned 10-plus targets in three of the past four weeks and scored at least 19.8 fantasy points in three of the last four weeks. He is entering an excellent matchup against the Washington Commanders who have had a tough time slowing down opposing passing games. If Johnson can play through his injury once again, then he will surely slot in as a high-end WR2. The Commanders should have no issue scoring on the Panthers' defense which should provide Johnson with plenty of target volume as the Panthers attempt to keep up.
Oct 16, 2024 6:42 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson reeled in 6-of-10 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson scored his third touchdown in the last four games in this one and led his team in every significant receiving category. Since quarterback Andy Dalton took over as Carolina's signal-caller in Week 3, the 28-year-old has done as such in 3-of-4 contests and is the PPR WR5 over that stretch. He'll look to keep it rolling in an enticing Week 7 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Their defense has registered just one interception on the season and entered Week 6 tied with the Panthers for the most passing touchdowns let up to opposing offenses (11).
Oct 13, 2024 9:49 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is officially active for Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week long, but he was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game. Johnson's being active gives the Panthers a key weapon as they take on their divisional foe, the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center; if you exclude last week's game in which Johnson got hurt, he's averaging 7.5 catches, 102.5 yards, and one touchdown per game with Dalton at quarterback. The former Steelers wide receiver is a solid fantasy WR2 this week in Carolina.
Oct 13, 2024 3:14 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite that, Johnson is expected to suit up for this divisional matchup. He has been limited in practice all week and played through the ankle injury last week. He finished with three receptions for 23 yards last week, so the ankle issue could've hindered his performance. The injury doesn't seem to be serious enough to force him out of action, but his value could take a hit if he's not 100 percent healthy. Fantasy managers should put him in the WR3 range if he does suit up this weekend. Otherwise, Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will see more involvement in the offense.
Oct 12, 2024 6:44 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Johnson logged three limited practice sessions this week due to an ankle injury. Johnson was dealing with this same injury last weekend and was able to suit up which is a good sign for his status. Fantasy managers should monitor any updates regarding his status over the weekend. After eclipsing 20.0 PPR points during Weeks 3 and 4, Johnson took a step back last weekend as he caught only three passes for 23 yards. If Johnson is able to suit up he should be viewed as a WR3/flex option facing the Atlanta Falcons.
Oct 11, 2024 12:49 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back practice sessions that Johnson has been limited due to a lingering ankle issue. It's worth noting that Johnson played through the ankle injury last week. He finished with three receptions for 23 yards, which was his worst performance since Week 2. It seems likely that Johnson can play through the issue, but his fantasy value could take a hit until he's back to full health. He should be on the WR3 radar for this Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, assuming he's still banged up. If he sits, Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Leggette figure to have bigger roles in the passing game.
Oct 10, 2024 9:48 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Johnson was also limited with his ankle injury last week but still played in the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears and caught only three passes for 23 yards against a strong Bears defense. Unless the 28-year-old suffers a setback later this week, he should be fine to play in a Week 6 tilt against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Ever since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3, Johnson has a total of 18 receptions on 33 targets for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his disappointing showing in Week 5, Johnson should be trusted as a solid WR2 for fantasy managers this Sunday in a much better matchup against the Falcons defense.
Oct 9, 2024 5:29 PM EST
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson turned six targets into just three catches for 23 yards during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears. Given that the 25-year-old had 15 catches, 205 yards, and two touchdowns through his first two games with Andy Dalton under center, this performance in Week 5 was a massive disappointment for Johnson's fantasy managers. This wide receiver and quarterback pairing will have a chance to restore their rapport and get the Panthers back in the win column next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson remains a fringe top-24 fantasy receiver at the moment.
Oct 7, 2024 12:31 AM EST
As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was removed from the final Week 5 injury report on Friday after he put in a second straight limited practice. Johnson was given a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but the Panthers all along expected him to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The 28-year-old needs to be locked into all starting fantasy lineups despite the tough matchup against Chicago's defense on the road. In two games since quarterback Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young under center, Johnson has caught 15 of his 27 targets for 205 yards and two touchdowns. High volume should be expected yet again with Adam Thielen (hamstring) still on Injured Reserve.
Oct 4, 2024 1:01 PM EST