Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has suffered a scary hamstring injury during the team’s Week One loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Johnson went down in pain after a 26-yard catch-and-run without being hit, immediately grabbing at his right hamstring. The severity of the injury has left his recovery timeline uncertain.
Johnson quickly left the game and has since been ruled out, but he has not been placed on the Injured Reserve. Talking to reporters, Johnson revealed that he struggled to walk in the days after the injury but is feeling slightly better now. He did not provide a specific timetable for his recovery, stating that he is taking it day by day.
The absence of Johnson on the field will be a significant blow to the Steelers’ offense. Veteran Allen Robinson II and second-year receiver Calvin Austin III will need to step up in his absence. In their game against the 49ers, the two combined for 11 receptions in the loss. The team will have to distribute snaps and alignments differently without Johnson.
Despite acknowledging the impact of his absence, Johnson expressed confidence in his teammates and the abilities of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He plans to remain around the team during his recovery to offer support and guidance.
There is a possibility that Johnson may be placed on the Injured Reserve to allow for a complete recovery. This would keep him out until Week 7 when the Steelers face the Los Angeles Rams on the road. The decision to place him on IR will depend on how well he progresses in his recovery.
The Steelers will face crucial matchups against the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens if Johnson misses the expected four weeks of action.
The team will need to carefully consider Johnson’s condition and potential long-term impact, as hamstring injuries can be complicated and prone to reoccurrence. Balancing his desire to return to the field with the need for proper rehabilitation will be crucial.
In the meantime, the Steelers will prepare to navigate the coming games without Johnson and look to other receivers to fill the void. There will be opportunities for players like George Pickens to prove themselves on the field. The Steelers’ coaching staff and team management will need to adjust their plans and game strategies accordingly.
As Johnson’s recovery progresses, decisions will be made regarding his status on the active roster. It remains to be seen how the Steelers will best handle the situation and ensure both his health and the team’s success moving forward.
