For the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been the model of inconsistency over five games, although that’s not entirely his fault because of the team’s lackluster quarterback play.
Johnson had just five catches for 34 yards over the first two weeks while playing with second-year signal-caller Bryce Young. Johnson’s production immediately improved after the team benched Young for veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
Johnson exploded in Week 3, tallying 122 yards and a touchdown on eight catches, and then he had another strong showing with seven grabs for 83 yards and another touchdown.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and that’s exactly what happened with Johnson’s hot streak in Week 5, as he finished with just three catches for 23 yards.
Looking ahead to Week 6, Johnson’s status is up in the air due to an injury. He turned in three limited practices before Johnson was given the questionable tag. Here’s the latest update on his status.
Diontae Johnson injury update
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Johnson is expected to play in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons despite the questionable tag.
But should you deploy him in your fantasy football lineup?
Diontae Johnson start or sit advice
After seeing what Johnson has done in two of three games with Andy Dalton under center, that in and of itself is enough to warrant starting him as a WR2 in Week 6.
Adding to that, Johnson has a fairly favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that is a middle-of-the-road unit when it comes to giving up fantasy points to wide receivers. Atlanta is also surrendering the eighth-most receptions and receiving touchdowns per contest to the position.
