Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says Diontae Johnson's return depends on practice workload
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson said last week he planned to make his on-field return in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams.
With the game just five days away, head coach Mike Tomlin said Johnson’s availability for Sunday’s game will be determined by how much he practices this week. Johnson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 1, returned to practice Monday, opening up the 21-day window in which the Steelers must activate him off injured reserve.
If it were up to Johnson, he’d be activated ahead of Sunday’s game against Los Angeles.
“Hell yeah, I’m coming back,” Johnson said last Tuesday. “I have been working my behind off these last three, four weeks. … Today was one of those days to see how far I have come along, and everything looks great out there to [the training staff].
“I felt completely great and healthy, so I am ready for Monday when we come back to start getting back to work.”
Diontae Johnson ready to return to Steelers
Johnson, 27, has led the Steelers in receiving each of the last three seasons. Over 49 games since 2020, he’s hauled in 284 receptions for 3,014 yards and 15 touchdowns. In the season opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he reeled in three of his targets for 48 yards.
Having spent four weeks on injured reserve, Johnson said he finally feels 100%.
“I feel 100 percent right now,” Johnson said. “The trainers, I appreciate them for pushing me through that whole process. Keeping my head level. Not coming in here down and stuff like that. I always had a positive attitude when I came here, and I was ready to work.
“Whatever they threw at me, I was going to do what I had to do to get it done.”
The Steelers have gone 3-1 in his absence and sit half a game back of the Ravens for first place in the AFC North. George Pickens, the second-year wideout out of Georgia, has been the primary target for quarterback Kenny Pickett thus far. Pickens has hauled in 22 receptions for 393 yards and two scores.
Having both Pickens and Johnson on the field together should help open things up for the league’s 30th-ranked offense.
“Expert route running,” Tomlin said of Johnson Tuesday, via TribLIVE. “He’s a route runner — vertical, non-vertical. He can create separation at break points. That is his distinguishing trait, but that is no secret.”