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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) had one of the worst starts of any potential fantasy-relevant receiver in the first two weeks of the season. He totaled just five catches for 34 yards, good for 8.4 PPR fantasy points over two contests. It looked like the beginning of a lost season for the Panthers wideout.
It's now plainly obvious that Johnson is a great receiver, but now-benched Panthers QB Bryce Young was the cause of the offensive troubles and Johnson's lack of production. The offense has been humming with QB Andy Dalton under center, and Johnson has finishes of 26.20 and 21.30 PPR fantasy points in Weeks 3-4.
However, he's listed on the injury report with an ankle injury ahead of Week 5. Is he hurt or healthy and will he play in Week 5?
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Diontae Johnson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Johnson didn't practice on Wednesday, but it's possible that's to be expected at this point. He's the clear No. 1 wideout for the Panthers and No. 2 receiver Adam Thielen is on injured reserve due to a hamstring problem. Carolina could simply be load managing its clear best pass-catcher.
I wouldn’t be concerned about Diontae Johnson’s ankle injury. Canales has stated that it’s more sore than ligament stuff. Should be good to go vs. Chicago.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) October 2, 2024
The team is correct to load-manage its star wide receiver. Its passing game plan revolves around getting him open and using him to draw away double coverages so the other receivers, like rookie Xavier Legette, have a chance to make plays. That's how it should work, and head coach Dave Canales has it down.
“Right now we have a starting point, and it starts with Diontae Johnson and trying to figure out ways to formation him and get good looks”
Canales also pretty much dismissed the trade rumors as well #Panthers https://t.co/A7XhZIC3Io pic.twitter.com/vrMLExv2TR
— Unnecessary Bluntness Owner/Coach/QB (@DuncOnDemand) October 2, 2024
Diontae Johnson Fantasy Football Outlook
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