Why is Diontae Johnson suspended? Ravens GM reveals reason behind WR's penalty

Baltimore Ravens wide recevier Diontae Johnson has been suspended by the team.

The team announced this afternoon that they made the difficullt decision to bench Johnson for their upcoming game against the New York Giants when they return from the bye week.

The team issued a statement on social media and revealed that Johnson is being suspended due to conduct detrimental to the team. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta issued a statement saying that Johnson refused to go in to this past Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

DeCosta said:

"We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team. Diontae's suspension stems from refusing to enter our game against the Philadelphia Eagles. We all have no further comments on this matter going forward."

The Ravens traded for Johnson before this year's trade deadline, and the trade has not paid off.

The Ravens acquired Johnson and a 2025 Carolina Panthers sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. In the four games he's played for the Ravens, Johnson has only had one reception for six yards on five targets in the last four games.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked earlier this week why Diontae Johnson didn't play against the Eagles

John Harbaugh during Philadelphia Eagles v Baltimore Ravens - Source: Getty

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh declined to provide a reason for why Diontae Johnson didn't play in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, following the loss.

Harbaugh said following Sunday's loss:

"At this time, I’m gonna have to wait, just to clarify it. There’s some moving parts there that we’re gonna have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at."

Harbaugh was then asked if Johnson would still be on the team following the wierd situation.

"We’ll just work it out and see where we’re at over the next few days and this week."

The Ravens have a bye this week, but return the following week facing the New York Giants. Given this odd situation on top of Johnson not being effective for the Ravens, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him released by the team in the coming weeks.

Prior to being traded to Baltimore, Johnson had 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns with the Carolina Panthers.