Steelers Rookie Goes Down with Injury

LATROBE, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered one new injury during the team’s Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, but also got a key member of the offense back to full participation.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson returned to practice on Friday after being injured in Wednesday’s session. Johnson’s injury was never disclosed, but head coach Mike Tomlin referred to it as “bumps and bruises.”

Johnson was back working with the first team, and made an impact right away, catching a touchdown in the team’s seven shots goal line drill, as part of a 5-2 win for the offense.

The one player that was unable to finish practice was nose tackle Keeanu Benton, who went down during an individual period late in practice and did not return. The trainers were examining Benton’s right wrist. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin did not attend the practice, as he was at the Pro Football Hall of Fame gold jacket ceremony for his former player, Ronde Barber. With no Tomlin, the team did not have an official post-practice media availability, so no update was made on Benton’s condition.

Linebacker Elandon Roberts also returned to full participation after being unable to finish practice with an undisclosed injury on Wednesday. Roberts and Johnson were among a number of veteran players who were given the day off on Thursday, so it’s unclear if their absences that day were injury related or otherwise.

Four Steelers remained sidelined on Friday night: defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (left ankle), running back John Lovett (undisclosed), safety Keanu Neal (undisclosed) and safety Damontae Kazee (left ankle).

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been excused from practice for personal reasons, did not appear to be in attendance.

STEELERS INJURY REPORT