Is Diontae Johnson playing today? Exploring Ravens WR's status for Week 9 vs Broncos
The Baltimore Ravens slipped to 5-3 after a shock defeat to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 but they didn't wallow too long in that defeat, making a move for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.
Johnson's arrival adds another aspect to an already explosive Ravens offense that has Lamar Jackson firmly in the running for another MVP year alongside free agency addition Derrick Henry.
While Johnson is still learning the playbook, he is expected to make his Ravens debut this afternoon when they go up against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium.
Is Dionate Johnson playing today vs Broncos?
Johnson will not only make his debut but will also be eased into the offense when Baltimore hosts Denver. Head coach John Harbaugh told CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson that he expects Johnson to play "about 10-15 ssnaps" as he's still getting up to speed with the playbook.
Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens injury report for Week 9
The Ravens have more than a few concerns heading into this Week 9 showdown as they look to bounce back from the shock defeat to Cleveland.
Corner Nate Wiggins was a DNP on Wednesday with an illness but is expected to take the field this afternoon. Fellow CB Marlon Humphreys was also on the injury report and is listed as questionable for this game with a knee injury. However, Humphreys is also expected to suit up later today.
Running back Rasheen Ali and DE Brent Urban are listed as out on the injury report.
Lamar Jackson gave Ravens fans a few scare after registering back-to-back DNPs on Wednedsay and Thursday with back and knee issues but the reigning MVP chalked that down to taking care of his body and resting up for this Week 9 showdown at home to Denver.
Over on the Broncos' side of things, star cornerback Pat Surtain II popped up on the injury report with an ankle injury but is expected to be fit and face the Ravens. PSII will likely have to shadow lead receiver Zay Flowers all afternoon. Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and P.J. Locke (thumb) are both out of this game.