Steelers Injury Updates: Diontae Johnson Cleared from Concussion Protocol
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has exited the NFL’s concussion protocol and not only is expected to play on Sunday when the Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles, but should be a full participant in the entire week of practice leading up to the game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday.
Johnson was injured while running a reverse during the Steelers’ Week 3 win over the Houston Texans and was removed from that game for evaluation. It’s not clear if he ever had a concussion. Johnson said on social media after that game that he was “fine.” He was practicing with the team even before the Steelers’ Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans was called off.
While Johnson will return to action, Tomlin was less certain about the statuses of fullback Derek Watt and linebacker/safety Marcus Allen.
Watt, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Texans, “has been running some” according to Tomlin, but he said it would be “unexpected” for him to be able to return to full form this week.
Allen, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his foot, ran in the pool on Tuesday and will be given the opportunity to test his injury on land later this week.