Wide Receiver still not fully out of the Ravens’ doghouse.

Wide Receiver still not fully out of the Ravens’ doghouse.

The Baltimore Ravens and Diontae Johnson have officially entered the “why are we even bothering?” phase of their brief relationship. In what’s starting to feel like a mere formality, the team has announced that Johnson will be excused from all activities this week. Translation: The Ravens would rather he stay away while they gear up for their crucial clash with the Steelers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When asked about Johnson’s absence, head coach John Harbaugh made it abundantly clear where his focus is: Pittsburgh. “All I’m really thinking about right now is Pittsburgh and getting our team ready for Pittsburgh. He won’t be here this week, and next week will take care of itself,” Harbaugh said during his Monday press conference. Translation? Johnson’s issues are way down on the Ravens’ to-do list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When asked why the team hasn’t just parted ways with Johnson, Harbaugh cited “front office reasons” and quickly steered the conversation back to preparing for Week 16. The message couldn’t be clearer: Johnson has no bearing on the Ravens’ playoff push, and Harbaugh has more important matters to focus on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s exactly how it should be. The Ravens are fighting for the AFC North title with just three games left, including a crucial home matchup against Pittsburgh that could decide home-field advantage in January. The last thing this team needs right now is to babysit a disgruntled wide receiver who, let’s not forget, refused to enter a game just a few weeks ago.