Former Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson might be having second thoughts after his mid-season move to Baltimore. Playing just his second game for the Ravens on Thursday night, Johnson finished with only two targets, one reception, and six yards. Well, it was made worse as he slipped while taking one of those targets.

His debut game against the Broncos wasn’t great either. As Johnson wasn’t even targeted once after playing 17 of the 57 snaps in week 9. So, coming into the Bengals clash in Baltimore, Johnson was looking for a quick turnaround. But it wasn’t forthcoming as he struggled with each of those targets. For the first one, Johnson’s reception could have given the Ravens a long field goal attempt. However, a last-second intervention by Bengals CB Mike Hilton didn’t allow so.

Ending his first half in disappointment, the Ravens didn’t get any more field goal attempts that half. Gearing up to receive his second target of the day, Johnson decided to improvise on his run. Changing directions while waiting for Lamar Jackson to find him, which he did. Johnson ended up slipping on the grass, and his pass was deemed incomplete. Such setbacks this early into his new chapter might have prompted Johnson to post a cryptic message on his X, “It’s always two sides to a story 🤷🏾‍♂️”

Although we don’t know the possible reason behind him posting such a message on X, it could have stemmed from his bumpy start in Baltimore. Over the seven games he played for the Panthers this season, Johnson recorded 30 receptions for 357 yards while adding 3 TDs. Even during his tenure with the Steelers, Johnson was a reliable receiver. He averaged 94 receptions for 989 yards over three seasons in Pittsburgh.

While Johnson has often proved his importance in the NFL, he would surely hit the ground running sooner rather than later. But for now, it seems he may have to play with patience, as the Ravens’ offense is not yet comfortable with him.

Baltimore Ravens adding Diontae Johnson to an already stacked receiver room

Before Johnson’s move to Baltimore, the status of WR Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman was already decided, “I’m told Diontae Johnson’s trade acquisition does not reflect a change in view of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the team’s current WR1 and WR2,” as per NFL insider Josina Anderson. And after the Broncos and Bengals clash, it looks like Anderson was spot on. Their second-year receiver Zay Flowers is having his best season yet as he stacked 50 receptions for 688 yards with 3 TDs. Elsewhere, their No.2 Rashod Bateman grabbed 31 catches with four TDs for 501 yards.

Even their third receiver Nelson Aglohor within the depth chart has 13 receptions for 205 yards. Seeing such numbers, the Ravens have only given 30% of offensive snaps to Johnson in his first week. While getting to play only 22 offensive snaps the next week. With an average of 38 points in the last two games, the Ravens haven’t really missed their new receiver.

But he could still prove to be a valuable member of a roster that is set to graze the playoffs soon. And Johnson would surely get more opportunities to play as he navigates through his new chapter in the NFL.