Diontae Johnson on his status for Week 1: 'I'm ready to go'

There is good news on the injury front for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of a divisional matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener as wide receiver Diontae Johnson said he’s healthy and going to play in Week 1. He was a full participant in Friday’s practice after landing on the injury report on Thursday

Johnson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko that he is “ready to go” for Sunday regarding his shoulder injury. Johnson was also listed on Thursday’s injury report with cramps, which aren’t going to be a long-term issue.

“Man, my foot locked up on me,” Johnson told Batko. The receiver added that he just needs to stay hydrated and the issue shouldn’t crop up again.

Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson says “I’m back on track and I’m ready to go” for Sunday with his shoulder injury.

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) September 9, 2022

More on the Steelers’ Thursday injury report

Ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, both teams have released their initial injury reports for Week 1, and unfortunately for Pittsburgh, injuries are starting to pile up, doubling since Wednesday’s report.

Did Not Participate: DT Cameron Heyward (coach’s decision), OL Chukwuma Okorafor (back)

Limited Participation: WR Diontae Johnson (shoulder/cramps), DB Marcus Allen (hamstring)

During Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Johnson was injured after hauling in an impressive catch down the left sideline for 38 yards in tight coverage. According to a report from the game, Johnson landed awkwardly on the reception and was ruled out for the remainder of the game by the Steelers.

New on the list, Johnson is now dealing with cramps – whether that is to his shoulder or another part of his body has not been disclosed.

Even more importantly, former All-Pro defensive tackle Heyward didn’t practice Thursday due to head coach Mike Tomlin’s decision, but was not on the IR Wednesday. The same goes for Okorafor.