Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has emerged as a top fantasy asset since Andy Dalton took over Carolina’s starting quarterback duties. However, Johnson was listed on the Panthers’ injury report this week. Will he be able to play in Week 6?
The Latest on Dionate Johnson’s Injury
Johnson has been dealing with an ankle injury since last week, so this is nothing new.
He did not practice last Wednesday before returning for limited sessions on Thursday and Friday and ultimately playing on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
This week, he was a limited participant in every practice, which bodes well for his availability on Sunday.
While Johnson is technically listed as questionable, we’re fully expecting him to suit up against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is also reporting that he is expected to play.
Fantasy Outlook for Diontae Johnson
Johnson has received 27.3% of the Panthers’ targets this season, the eighth-highest team target share of any wide receiver entering Week 6.
Last week (3-23-0) was Johnson’s first dud since Andy Dalton took over and while it was troubling, it was a tougher matchup than what is on tap for this week.
MORE: Dionate Johnson Fantasy Hub: Projections, Start/Sit Advice, and More
(It’s also worth noting that Johnson nearly scored on two plays toward the end of the third quarter, but he and Dalton just couldn’t connect).
Weekly Diontae Johnson near-miss touchdowns pic.twitter.com/QbqPOnr6FZ
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 7, 2024
That’s not to say that Johnson is going to be a top-10 receiver like he was in Dalton’s first two starts, but a low-end WR2 finish is a reasonable assumption against a Falcons defense that owns the second-lowest opponent aDOT this season (5.5).
Another aspect of this game that is being overlooked is that it features two of the fastest-paced offenses in the league.
That doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see a ton of points put on the board, but it could result in a high possession count, and if Johnson gets enough opportunities, he’s going to produce fine PPR numbers.
