diff --git a/distributed/worker.py b/distributed/worker.py
index 524bfaeb412..276b41fd853 100644
--- a/distributed/worker.py
+++ b/distributed/worker.py
@@ -1711,9 +1711,6 @@ def transition_flight_fetch(self, ts, worker=None, runspec=None):
                 if dependent.state == "waiting":
                     self.data_needed.append(dependent.key)
 
-            if not ts.dependents:
-                self.release_key(ts.key, cause="transition flight->fetch")
-
         except Exception as e:
             logger.exception(e)
             if LOG_PDB: