Giants fans nearly panicked over Diontae Johnson-related suspension

New York Giants fans have been closely monitoring their team’s injury situation, especially after weeks of key defensive players being sidelined.

This week, though, brought a much-needed boost as linebacker Dyontae Johnson was designated to return from injured reserve. After turning heads in training camp, Johnson’s return couldn’t come at a better time for a Giants defense that has been battered by injuries to stars like Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari.

Dyontae Johnson, a former undrafted rookie out of Toledo, has yet to appear in a regular-season game, but the Giants have high hopes for him. With defensive depth stretched thin, Johnson’s return adds another body to a unit that has been asked to do more and more as the offense continues to find its footing. Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed Johnson is working his way back into practice, opening his 21-day activation window.

Just as fans were celebrating Dyontae Johnson’s return, another Johnson-related headline nearly caused some confusion. News broke that the Baltimore Ravens suspended wide receiver Diontae Johnson, and Giants fans briefly wondered if they had missed something about their own Johnson. Thankfully, it was a different player in a completely different situation, but the timing made for an amusing bit of NFL news.

Ravens’ Diontae Johnson suspended, but Giants’ Dyontae Johnson is good to go

The Ravens’ Diontae Johnson, who was suspended for refusing to enter the Week 13 game against the Eagles, has been one of the NFL’s most bizarre storylines this season. Johnson, brought in at the trade deadline to bolster Baltimore’s receiving corps, has been more of a distraction than a contributor.

The Ravens announced he will miss their Week 14 game against the Giants due to conduct detrimental to the team.

For the Giants, this news comes as a relief. Baltimore will already be without a key weapon, which could make life a little easier for New York’s defense as they prepare to face Lamar Jackson.

While Diontae Johnson’s suspension highlights dysfunction in Baltimore, the Giants can focus on reintegrating Dyontae Johnson and shoring up their defensive depth.

With Dyontae Johnson back in the mix and the Giants looking for future building blocks, the team can use all the help they can get. As for the Ravens, their Johnson-related drama only serves as a reminder things could always be worse. At least in New York, Dyontae Johnson is ready to contribute instead of making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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