Steelers Get Major News on Diontae Johnson Return

PITTSBURGH — Steelers WR Diontae Johnson is set to return in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, he said on Tuesday. When asked if he would be ready to play, Johnson said “hell yeah” and felt 100 percent. Over the past week, Johnson has started inching closer to his return. But Tuesday was the big day, where the team would test out Johnson’s hamstring. He ran off the side, and that went exceptionally well. Before the Ravens game, he felt 85 percent but did not feel like he would have been able to give it his all, but now he feels 100 percent and ready to go as Los Angeles.

“Hell yeah I’m coming back,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working my behind off these last three to four weeks. Today was one of them days to see how far I’ve come. I looked great out there. I feel completely great and healthy. I’m ready for Monday when we come back to get back to work.”

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson celebrate with Calvin Austin III in a Friday Night Lights training camp practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, Aug. 4, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Johnson told Steelers Now last week that he was targeting a Week 7 return against the Rams. Now, it appears that will come to fruition. Johnson believes that his return will help the team gain more yards after the catch and take critical pressure off the emerging star George Pickens.

The Steelers’ early season start has been frustrating for the entire team, as not only has the team failed to perform to expectation, but it has lost several key players due to injury.

That has left some of the team’s veteran leaders, like Johnson and Cameron Heyward, on the sidelines and unable to help right the ship, at least in an on-the-field role. However, Johnson has helped off the side whenever Pickens or anyone else needs help.

The Steelers and Diontae Johnson sit atop the AFC North at 3-2. With his return, they hope the offense can get going. Johnson noted that he feels the players must execute better rather than placing the onus on the offensive play calling. However, the team will open Johnson’s window next Monday, and it seems he is close to a return, though the group will make sure to take extra caution so Johnson does not suffer a reinjury to his injured hamstring.