The Pittsburgh Steelers started their third week of training camp in Latrobe, PA on Monday. The Steelers' first-team offense has been operating for most of camp without the projected starting playmakers. Those of which are supposed to surround Mitch Trubisky if he retains the starting quarterback position when the season begins. The offense has struggled against the first team with the reserve playmakers but its given rookies like Jaylen Warren, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III valuable experience in their absence.
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter JSKO Photo)
Unfortunately, the offense was dealt another blow on Monday. Diontae Johnson who just signed a two-year extension last week with the Steelers, in only his third padded practice this summer, left practice early. Johnson seemed visibly relieved when he took the field last week and hopefully can return to practice quickly. Alex Highsmith also left practice early with an apparent rib injury, according to Joe Rutter with the Tribune-Review.
Among those who did not finish practice were Diontae Johnson with a hip flexor and Alex Highsmith who hurt his ribs. Chase Claypool had wrap on his shoulder but was not mentioned by Tomlin. Kevin Dotson has ankle injury.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) August 8, 2022
The Steelers can't really afford to lose either player for an extended period of time. Surrounded by reporters Monday afternoon, Mike Tomlin confirmed after practice that the Steelers WR1 Johnson and starting ROLB Highsmith were in fact dealing with injuries and did not give a timeline on their return.
“We got a couple of new bumps and bruise to manage and deal with,” Tomlin stated. “Highsmith ribs, Diontae Johnson hip flexor and hopefully those guys can be described as day to day."
It has to be frustrating for Trubisky who will lose additional valuable time to try developing a rapport with Johnson. The fourth-year receiver is the Steelers' best route runner and has demonstrated that he is the most consistent player in the position. He may not have the ceiling of Pickens and Chase Claypool, but he has a much higher floor than his two taller talented teammates. Johnson is also the acknowledged leader of the receiver room. Claypool did return to practice today and Trubisky has to be happy with that, but it is not good for the development of the first team offense if they are merely trading out injured playmakers during camp.
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter JSKO Photo)
Highsmith is being counted on as a huge piece of the 2022 season and many publications have identified him as the Steelers most likely breakout defensive player. The Steelers are thin behind T.J. Watt and Highsmith with veteran Derreck Tuszka and camp standout Delontae Scott as the current top reserves at the position. Last season after the Melvin Ingram trade, Tuszka served as the main backup at outside linebacker. The black and gold may consider turning to one of the veteran edge rushers still remaining in free agency, or a last-minute cap casualty as an insurance policy for the defense.
The Steelers will host the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium. The status of Johnson and Highsmith will be monitored closely up until game time. Traditionally, starters play very little in the first preseason game, and if the players are less than 100 percent, they may spend Saturday night in street clothes watching from the sidelines. The Steelers could use the opportunity to get an extended look at the veteran Tuszka and see if camp performance translates into gameplay.
What do you think Steelers fans? Do you want to see the full contingent for the first preseason game of the year or should the team hold out any starter who is not 100 percent healthy? Let us know in the comment section below or talk to me on Twitter @thebubbasq.
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