Is Diontae Johnson playing today? Exploring Panthers WR’s status for Bengals clash

Star wide receiver Diontae Johnson was included on the Carolina Panthers' injury report for Week 4's game. Following an upset win against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, the Panthers want to keep building momentum against the hurt and winless Cincinnati Bengals.

With Adam Thielen sidelined for at least for weeks, the doors are wide open for Johnson to become the team's WR1 and start producing alongside Andy Dalton.

Diontae Johnson injury update

Diontae Johnson (groin) was first included on the injury report on Thursday when he was listed as DNP. He returned to practice Friday as a limited participant. The Panthers have ruled out three players but Johnson isn't one of them. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He is the only wide receiver on the injury report.

Johnson, however, spoke to reporters Thursday and said that he is good to go. The questionable status could be just precautionary at this point.

G Robert Hunt (hip) and DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee) are the other players listed as questionable for this game. CB Lonnie Johnson (hip), G Damien Lewis (elbow) and DT Shy Tuttle (foot) won't be available for Dave Canales.

Diontae Johnson is off to a hot start in the 2024 NFL season

After three games, Diontae Johnson has caught 13 passes for a team-leading 156 yards and one passing touchdown. Among wide receivers, he ranks No. 1 in red zone targets with seven, No. 8 in target rate with 29.9% and No. 7 in expected fantasy points per game with 20.3 points.

The Panthers had a tumultuous first two NFL weeks with Bryce Young under center. The second-year quarterback was benched last week and Andy Dalton balled out, giving his team a 36-22 win over one of the most intense defensive units in the league.

It remains to be seen if the Panthers can keep up their form and level their record 2-2 against a team looking for its first win of the campaign. The Bengals were shocked by another underdog in the Washington Commanders, and Johnson and Co. would want to do the same.