OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday that they have suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson for one game due to actions detrimental to the team. “Diontae’s suspension is linked to his refusal to join our match against the Philadelphia Eagles,” stated Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta.

DeCosta described the disciplinary measure as a “tough choice.” Johnson is set to miss the Ravens’ December 15 game against the New York Giants, with Baltimore currently on a bye week. The Ravens have been unclear about Johnson’s status with the team after he dressed but didn’t play a single snap in Sunday’s 24-19 defeat to the Eagles.

It was particularly puzzling since Johnson remained on the sideline, even though starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman was out in the second half with a knee injury. Johnson, visibly standing near a heater for most of the game, has participated in just 39 snaps for Baltimore after being traded from the Carolina Panthers on October 29.

He has recorded only one catch for six yards with the Ravens, despite having been the Panthers’ leading receiver in their first seven games this season. This decline in performance might have a significant effect on his prospects as he approaches free agency this offseason. On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was noncommittal about Johnson’s future with the team.

In late October, the Panthers traded Johnson for minimal return after he led the team in receptions (30), receiving yards (357), and touchdown catches (3). Baltimore exchanged a fifth-round pick for Johnson and a sixth-round pick, considering it a low-risk acquisition since the Panthers covered most of Johnson’s remaining salary, leaving Baltimore with a $625,000 responsibility.

If the Ravens release Johnson, they would miss out on a potential compensatory pick in the 2026 draft if he signs with another team in free agency. Baltimore’s leading receivers include Zay Flowers, Bateman, and Nelson Agholor, and they currently rank third in the NFL in passing, averaging 243.3 yards per game.

Following Sunday’s match, quarterback Lamar Jackson mentioned he discussed staying focused with Johnson after his absence from the field. “We want him on the field,” Jackson said. “He’s an excellent receiver. We didn’t acquire him from the Panthers without reason.” A third-round pick by the Steelers in 2019, Johnson has amassed 422 receptions for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns with Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Baltimore.