Steelers Sights & Sounds: Diontae at Practice, WRs Work Ball Security

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson might be out a few weeks with a hamstring injury, but he’s not exactly taking it easy.

Johnson was back at practice on Wednesday, the first team session since he suffered the injury in the second half of the team’s season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Johnson talked with teammates who were stretching but did not participate along with the other wide receivers when they went to do a ball security drill with the rest of the offensive skill position players. Ball security is one of the few things the Steelers got right on Sunday, as they had zero fumbles compared to two for the 49ers. Small victories, I suppose.

The Steelers expect Johnson to be out for as long as four weeks, meaning his return could be after the team’s Week 6 bye. But if his presence at practice on Wednesday is any indication, he seems out to return as quickly as possible.

Sixth receiver Gunner Olszewski and practice squad members Dez Fitzpatrick, Simi Fehoko and newcomer Jacob Copeland are all candidates to see the field for the first time with Johnson out.

Fifth wide receiver Miles Boykin, who was seen in a walking boot on Monday, was not wearing one on Wednesday and did participate in the above drill.

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