Steelers' Release Initial Injury Report For Week 1 Against Cincinnati Bengals; Star Receiver Diontae Johnson Limited

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a big issue brewing if number one receiver Diontae Johnson isn't able to practice this week. If he doesn't practice by Friday, he won't be able to suit up on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. On Wednesday he was listed a a limited participant, and when talking to the media he didn't seem overly confident about his availably for Sunday's AFC North showdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson (#18) sprints up field during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO

Following the Steelers preseason win against the Detroit Lions coach Mike Tomlin said that Johnson could've stayed in the game if it were a regular season game. Johnson didn't agree with his coaches assessment.

“Y’all saw me out there? No, I didn’t come back for a reason. That **** was hurting.”

And it continues to hurt Johnson. That could be another reason why the Steelers decided to keep so many receivers on the active roster. Even with Calvin Austin on IR the team still has 6. But that number could quickly be down to 5 if Johnson can't go on Sunday.

“It’s frustrating because I put in so much work this whole summer, through camp," Johnson told reporters on Wednesday. "For some freaky stuff like this to happen is another setback I have to bounce back from. Try to keep a positive mindset through everything. It can be tough at times. You can go into that space where you are like ‘damn, what am I doing that’s not right or am I doing the right things to get back on the field’.”

The only other player listed on the Steelers inital injury report is linebacker Marcus Allen. Allen has missed nearly all of the preseason with a hamstring injury. He was originally released on cut down day, but re-signed with the team two days later. The chances of him playing on Sunday also aren't good.

On a positive note injured linebacker Alex Highsmith didn't receive any injury designation. Highsmith also missed most of training camp, and wasn't able to play in any of the preseason games. He will be welcome addition opposite of star TJ Watt on Sunday against Joe Burrow.

Photo / Jordan Schofield Steeler Nation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)

Check out the full participation report below: