The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the first week of the regular season with very few injuries after Wednesday's injury report was announced. The exception to that is the number one wide receiver on the depth chart, Diontae Johnson is dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered during the team's final preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions. Johnson is a huge part of the offensive game plan and it would be a giant loss to not have him on the field Sunday. The good news is that offensive coordinator Matt Canada and fellow wide receiver Chase Claypool are expecting to have him out there.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
When speaking to reporters on Thursday, Canada was cautiously optimistic that Johnson will be out there.
"We’re counting on him being ready to go. He was limited yesterday but we feel good about his progress," Canada said.
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Claypool is also looking forward to taking the field with Johnson in week one for the Steelers.
Chase Claypool says he anticipates having Diontae Johnson on Sunday vs. Bengals
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 8, 2022
Johnson is coming off of an incredible season. He had 107 receptions, 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He joins Najee Harris as one of the two most important players for the Steelers' offense. A year ago, he only played in the second game against the Bengals. He had 14 targets, nine receptions and 95 yards receiving.
How much of a difference does it make for the offense with Johnson on the field? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
