It doesn’t get more matter of fact than that. Receiver Rashod Johnson’s lack of involvement in Sunday’s game raised plenty of eyebrows, especially after the Ravens replaced injured receiver Rashod Bateman with Tylan Wallace. Head coach John Harbaugh remained vague on the matter, leaving it open to interpretation, including the possibility of Johnson’s release.
Two days later, it was announced that Johnson was being sent home by the team, a move seen as a punishment, more than a week before they return to the field. Despite being acquired via trade with the Carolina Panthers, Johnson has not lived up to expectations, catching only one pass for six yards in five games with the Ravens, and has generated more attention for his lack of production than his on-field play.
The trade, which sent a conditional Day 3 pick to the Panthers, was seen as a no-brainer, bringing a seasoned pass catcher to share the load with quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, it appears that Johnson’s tenure with the Ravens will be a short one. He will spend the next 11 days out of the spotlight before rejoining the team, and it remains to be seen if he will be involved in their playoff push, which they hope will culminate in a Super Bowl triumph.