The Houston Texans advanced to the divisional round after eliminating the Los Angeles Chargers in a 31-12 win. They’re moving on to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who own the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However, the Texans made a big move soon after their win over the Chargers, as the team released veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson from the roster. This was after reports claimed that Johnson was “visibly upset” after the playoff win. He was allegedly upset with the lack of playing time and targets on Saturday.

As a result, the 28-year-old wideout was let go by the Texans on Tuesday. Johnson played in Houston for just two games but was near the bottom of the depth chart. The Texans acquired him as a free agent to add depth in the wide receiver room with Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell out with serious leg injuries.

Shortly after the release, head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed the situation during a press conference with the media. Ryans kept his answer short, and made it clear that his focus, and the team’s focus, is on the upcoming playoff game against the Chiefs. DeMeco Ryans on the Texans releasing Diontae Johnson:

“With Diontae unfortunately it didn’t work out and we’re on to the Chiefs.” Great job to minimize & prevent it from being a distraction. We move. pic.twitter.com/2vNhyEOdNJ — Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) January 14, 2025

The Texans organization was the fourth team Johson was rostered on in a calander year. He was originally traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers in Mar. 2024. Midway through the season, the Panthers traded Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick. Baltimore eventually released the troubled receiver who was then picked up by Houston in late Dec.

With Johnson no longer on the roster, the Texans can remained focused on their potential Super Bowl run. Keeping him on the team could have created a negativity in the locker room that would have turned into a distraction. That’s the last thing any franchise needs. Especially in the midst of the playoffs.

The Texans and Chiefs faced off in the regular season back in Week 16. Houston lost that contest 27-19. Penalties and turnovers were two key areas where Ryans’ team struggled in that game, as the Texans were penalized six times for 45 yards and turned the ball over twice.

Houston and Kansas City will be the first of two games on Saturday, Jan. 18. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. EST and can be watched on ESPN, ABC, or ESPN+.