Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Returns to Practice

Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has returned to practice on Monday, opening his 21-day window to return off injured reserve and be activated off injured reserve. If Johnson is not activated off injured reserve by the time that window closes, he will be out for the season. Once activated, the Steelers must clear a roster spot to get Johnson on the team. The Steelers roster five receivers after coming into the year with six.

Diontae Johnson stated last week that he was ready to return after running off to the side and testing his injured hamstring. It seems that is going well, as Johnson has always targeted a Week 7 return against the Rams. He has not played since he suffered the hamstring injury against the 49ers in the third quarter of that game.

Before the Ravens game, he felt 85 percent but did not feel like he would have been able to give it his all, but now he feels 100 percent and ready to go as Los Angeles.

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson against the 49ers, Sept. 10, 2023 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

“Hell yeah, I’m coming back,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working my behind off these last three to four weeks. Today was one of them days to see how far I’ve come. I looked great out there. I feel completely great and healthy. I’m ready for Monday when we come back to get back to work.”

The Steelers’ early season start has been frustrating for the entire team, as not only has the team failed to perform to expectation, but it has lost several key players due to injury.

That has left some of the team’s veteran leaders, like Johnson and Cameron Heyward, on the sidelines and unable to help right the ship, at least in an on-the-field role. However, Johnson has helped off the side whenever Pickens or anyone else needs help. Pittsburgh hopes that Johnson can get clearance to return this week as he ramps back up to full activity.