Ravens head coach John Harbaugh chose not to offer an explanation on Sunday as to why wide receiver Diontae Johnson remained on the bench during Baltimore’s defeat to the Eagles, even though he was dressed and listed as active.

By Monday, the situation remained unclear. When pressed for clarification on Johnson’s situation, Harbaugh responded, “At this time, I’m gonna have to wait, just to clarify it,” he mentioned. “There are some factors we need to assess and figure out where we stand. I understand it’s not the response you’re looking for, but it’s the most fair answer I can give at this moment.”

Harbaugh also refrained from confirming whether Johnson would stay on the roster following Baltimore’s Week 14 bye. “We’ll work through it and determine our position over the next few days,” Harbaugh stated. This doesn’t bode well for Johnson.

The Ravens acquired Johnson in October from the Carolina Panthers. At the time, Johnson was Carolina’s top receiver, with 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns over seven games. Since his arrival in Baltimore before Week 9, Johnson has been active for five games, including one start. He’s been targeted five times and has only one reception for six yards.

On Sunday, he didn’t play at all. This has contributed to an unusual tenure for Johnson, a former Pro Bowler with the Steelers who made 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 with Pittsburgh. There’s certainly room behind Baltimore’s leading receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.

Nelson Agholor is the Ravens’ No. 3 wide receiver with just 13 catches for 205 yards over 13 games. However, for reasons undisclosed, Johnson is not making headway in Baltimore. The Ravens acquired Johnson through a late-round pick swap (a fifth for a sixth).

The cost was minimal, and the Ravens could release him without substantial loss if they decide to. For now, Harbaugh is keeping the situation regarding Johnson private, and how they will move forward remains to be seen.