Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Unexpectedly Doesn’t Practice

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson missed practice with a hamstring injury on Thursday, the team announced on the injury report. Johnson’s injury throws a curveball at the Steelers’ offense, who expected to have Johnson as another threat across from George Pickens. It is unclear if the injury occurred during Wednesday’s practice or if Pittsburgh is giving Johnson some rest from the injury.

Diontae Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, which landed him on injured reserve. He played against the Rams with no setback, but the damage this week is concerning, considering the setback that Pat Freiermuth suffered last week. Freiermuth landed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next three games before potentially returning against the Cleveland Browns.

Johnson is not the only injury, as defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi missed practice with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Joey Porter Jr. had a calf injury that kept him limited. Porter vowed to play against the Jaguars and their tough, skilled players.

Johnson talked with the media on Thursday and seemed in good spirits. There was no apparent injury, but hamstring injuries become tricky and can linger. Pittsburgh hopes they are not down another critical member of their receiving corps. Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will have to step up if Johnson is out for an extended period.

The Steelers praised Johnson all week for how much he affected the coverage the Rams played. Pickens even noted that he saw less double coverage before Johnson existed across from him. Despite being productive without him, losing Johnson is a potentially crushing blow for an offense that needs as much talent on the skill group as they can muster. This will be an injury to monitor on Friday, as the Steelers play two games in the next week with the Titans on Thursday Night Football.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT