Steelers yet to make a decision on Diontae Johnson's injury designation

Kickoff for the Steelers‘ matchup against the Cleveland Browns is still four days away, which is probably why Pittsburgh has yet to make a decision on wide receiver Diontae Johnson‘s injury designation this week. Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to the 49ers, and reports indicate he could miss several weeks.

Adam Schefter reported that Johnson will be out a “few weeks.” Schefter quoted a source, however, he did not identify it.

If a few weeks ends up being more than four, the Steelers could move one of their most productive players to the Injured Reserve. The delay in moving him to IR could be because the game is still days away, or because they don’t intend to designate him for IR at all. Within the next four weeks, Pittsburgh plays Cleveland, Las Vegas, Houston and Baltimore.

Regardless of his designation, the Steelers are preparing to play without Johnson on Monday night.

“All of our wideouts are going to have their roles are going to increase,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said on Thursday. “That’s going to be part of the deal. Calvin (Austin), (it was) his first game, he made some plays, did some things, so all guys have to step up. Obviously, Diontae is a big part of our offense. So it’s not just gonna be one guy.”

Johnson is in his fifth season in the NFL — having spent all of them with the Steelers. He’s hauled in 340 receptions for 3,646 yards and 20 touchdowns in 64 games (56 starts). Johnson paced all Steelers pass-catchers this past season in receptions (86) and yards (882). He notably hauled in zero touchdowns after bringing in eight the previous season.

Cam Heyward also out for Steelers, 6-8 weeks

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is also out after suffering Sunday’s game against the Steelers with a groin injury. Heyward is undergoing surgery for the injury but his timeline to return is anywhere from six-to-eight weeks. The Steelers designated him for IR on Thursday.

Heyward finished the 2022 season second on the Steelers with 10.5 sacks and led the team with 14 tackles for a loss. He amassed 74 tackles, 39 solo tackles, four pass deflections and a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Heyward has 78.5 career sacks, the most by a Steelers’ defensive lineman since 1982, second-most by an active defensive tackle in the NFL, and second-most in team history and by a Steelers’ player since 1982.

The Steelers star also has six straight Pro Bowl appearances. Heyward was a first-round pick (No. 31 overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.