The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off training camp Wednesday afternoon at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Fans were welcomed back to the picturesque facility, and they showed up in droves. Veteran Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers reporter, Gerry Dulac reported that fans were lining up as early as 9:30am this morning to attend the opening practice.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, who held his first press conference of 2022 training camp Tuesday, told reporters in attendance with regards to Diontae Johnson’s availability:
“I’m not proceeding with any anticipation of any of those type of things. He was here on time and did a heck of a job in the conditioning test just like everyone else, so we are going to keep moving forward.”
When practice actually began today, Johnson joined Minkah Fitzpatrick in conditioning drills and did not participate with the team. Fitzpatrick, who is being held out of practice due to an unfortunate biking accident, was recently rewarded with the richest contract in NFL history for a safety. His participation in conditioning drills was expected, Johnson’s was not.
After practice in today’s meeting with the press, Tomlin was asked point blank about the wide receiver’s absence from the team portions of the afternoon session and if it was cause for concern.
“Absolutely not, you guys know me. I acknowledge that he was less than a hundred percent participant and we will continue to manage the circumstance. But right now my energy and focus are on those that are participating.”
Johnson has made no secret of his desire to stay with Pittsburgh long-term and sign a new contract. As previously reported by multiple sources on SteelerNation.com, Johnson stated he would only sit out if Tomlin made the decision to hold him out. Tomlin, who is famous for his view of “volunteers,” seems to imply that the conflicting stories may reflect a deeper division between the team and the Pro Bowl receiver.
"You manage situations and people,” Tomlin continued. “But largely my energy is devoted to those that are working in the larger body. That’s where I’m at with it."
The press pool immediately followed up and directly questioned the Steelers head coach if it was his decision to hold Johnson out of practice today.
"It was not, no."
Credit: Josh Rowntree/93.7 The Fan
The veteran head coach does not mince words in his reply. It is not open for interpretation and directly conflicts with the previously dubbed by Tomlin “leader” of the wide receiver group’s earlier statements.
The Steelers and T.J. Watt conducted themselves seamlessly last year with both parties making no secret of their intentions and his status. Watt’s signing seemed like an inevitability and perhaps the uncertainty of the Johnson’s fluid contract status is contributing to the confusion. Tomlin continued:
"I’ve just learned over the course of time to look at it from the perspective of those that get increased rep opportunities. Boy we got some young guys at that position that are going to take advantage of some of those opportunities."
George Pickens and Calvin Austin III both had impressive showings during practice today. Austin, reportedly, took a screen pass 60 yards for a touchdown displaying a preview of his blazing speed and gifted open field ability. Pickens was even more impressive making several astonishing catches and staking his claim early for consistent playing time. The second and fourth round Steelers draft picks of 2022 figure to benefit the most from Johnson watching rather than participating with the team.
PICKENS SZN!!!111 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/zPUwcAFZB6
— BlitzburghUSAVideos (@sdextrasmedia) July 27, 2022
The Steelers will take the field again tomorrow at 1:55pm ET and the developing situation with Johnson will be closely monitored by those in attendance. Number 18 was a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger and previously displayed chemistry with Mason Rudolph. The other quarterbacks on the roster will need time to develop timing and a rhythm with the Steelers leading receiver, and it would be best for the team if that starts happening sooner rather than later.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you concerned about a rift with between head coach and wide receiver? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
