Diontae Johnson says he's playing vs. Jaguars after missing Thursday practice
After making his return in Week 8 this past Sunday after missing four games with a hamstring injury, Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) receiver Diontae Johnson popped up on Thursday’s injury report.
Johnson was a non-participant in practice and listed with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old cleared up any question he’d suit up this Sunday, saying he’ll be ready for the home tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2).
“I was just taking a day off,” said Johnson, who participated in Friday’s practice. “They wanted to give my legs a rest. It is nothing serious. I am going to be ready for Sunday.”
In the 24-17 Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Rams (3-4), Johnson hauled in five receptions for 79 yards. For just the second time this season, Pittsburgh had both Johnson and George Pickens on the field together. Pickens led the team with 107 yards on five catches, his third 100-yard game of the season.
“It was great to have him back,” quarterback Kenny Pickett said of Johnson’s return. “I think you saw the effect he can have with both George and him out the outside. They’re two tough guys to cover.”
Steelers moving in right direction health wise following return of Diontae Johnson
With Johnson back, the Steelers continue to inch closer to having a healthy roster. The coming weeks could see the return of another impact player, veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Heyward, who has been on injured reserve since tearing his abductor muscle in Week 1, was cleared to practice Thursday and participated in full during Friday’s practice.
“It felt good. It’s been some weeks,” Heyward said Thursday. “It’s been a while. I am excited to just get back out there, get in the flow of things. I still have more work to get done before I get back.
“Taking it day-by-day. I am not rushing the process. The healing is taking effect. But I have to get reps under my belt. I gotta feel more comfortable with what I am doing. Trust myself, trust my body. We’ll see where we are at.”
Heyward declined to put a timetable on when he plans to return to the starting lineup.
“That’s above my paygrade,” Heyward said. “I am sure somebody has that planned out for me… Hope to beat that one day. I have been pressing. There have been MRIs. Have had to see where my progress is. I trust what they are doing. I know my body. Know I am up there in age, but I feel like I progressed pretty well.”