PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool and offensive coordinator Matt Canada are both expecting receiver Diontae Johnson to be able to play this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, despite Johnson continuing to be limited in practice.
Johnson said on Wednesday that he feels like he is on the right track toward playing, but is still dealing with pain in his shoulder, which he injured diving for a pass in the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
Claypool said “yeah, for sure,” when asked if he though Johnson would play this week.
“Diontae is looking great,” Claypool said of Johnson. “I think we’re deep with him and we’re excited to have him throughout the week.”
Canada also shared that optimism and also added that the team has a plan in place for what happens if he can’t play.
“We’re counting on him being ready to go,” Canada said. “We feel good about his progress. … He was out for a while early (in preseason). Chase was out. We moved guys around, so we feel good about the plan we have in place if that happens.”
Canada said that Claypool, who has generally been the team’s slot receiver so far this season, could play outside to replace Johnson, though the team has utilized a number of different combinations this training camp and preseason that include backups Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski and Steven Sims playing both inside and out.
The Steelers will have their third practice of the week in preparation for the opener against the Bengals on Thursday afternoon, after which Johnson’s practice status will again be reported by the team.
The only other listed injury for the Steelers this week is inside linebacker Marcus Allen, who was limited on Wednesday with a hamstring injury that he suffered back in training camp. The Steelers will officially give both injured players a designation for Sunday’s game after Friday’s practice.