PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson was a full participant in practice on Friday and plans to play on Sunday, despite some lingering pain in his injured left shoulder.
Johnson injured his shoulder in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions and was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but said Friday, he was full go.
“I’m feeling good,” Johnson said. “My shoulder is getting better. It actually feels a lot better. I’m ready to go on Sunday. … Most definitely, I’m ready to go.”
Johnson added that he’s not worried about any further damage, and said his participation is all about managing the pain at this point.
“I can play through a little bit of pain,” Johnson said. “I’ve done it before, so it’s nothing I’m not used to.”
Steelers Friday practices are not typically a big physical test, but Johnson said he felt that he was able to get back up to speed after being limited early in the week.
“I was able to get the confidence back in my shoulder, catching the ball better,” Johnson said. “If I’m off rhythm, I feel like I’m not going to play as well. I like to stick to my routine. A little bump in the road threw me off my routine a little bit, but I’m back on track.”
Johnson is expected to start along with George Pickens and Chase Claypool at wide receiver for the Steelers.