Cryptic comments from Harbaugh, Jackson regarding Diontae Johnson’s absence

Both John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson offered curious responses to questions about wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who didn’t play a single snap in Sunday’s loss.

When the Ravens traded for Diontae Johnson at the end of October, their plan seemed obvious: take a cheap flier on a veteran wideout for depth and insurance in case of injury. It wasn’t surprising when Johnson only played 39 snaps over his first four games in Baltimore; the Ravens had been cruising on offense for much of the season and Johnson needed some time to get up to speed in the new system.

But despite a knee injury knocking Rashod Bateman out of Sunday’s loss to the Eagles, Johnson didn’t play a single snap in a game in which the Ravens could have used another veteran pass-catcher on the field.

John Harbaugh was asked about Johnson’s absence after the game, saying “I’m not really ready to comment on that right now. I will be, just don’t have enough information right now to talk about that,” per Baltimore Beatdown’s Kyle Phoenix.

Lamar Jackson was equally cryptic in his response, telling reporters that he would speak to Johnson, per The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec.

Clearly, something’s up, especially with Harbaugh admitting that he will have to address the situation eventually.

Johnson was healthy and active for the game over rookie wideout Devontez Walker, who sat out once again as a healthy scratch. Bateman’s injury, while unfortunate for the offense, seemed like an opportunity for the Ravens to work Johnson into their offense so he could contribute down the stretch. Instead, Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace filled Bateman’s snaps, but couldn’t make an impact in a frustrating second half for the offense.

Harbaugh said that Bateman’s knee was “too sore” to return to the game, but gave no indication that the injury was serious. But if the Ravens’ second-leading receiver misses any time, pressure will mount on Johnson to step up for his new team.

With two weeks before Baltimore’s next game, Bateman should have plenty of time to rest up and return to his featured role in the offense. But questions surrounding Johnson will persist. Expect an update from Harbaugh later this week.