Diontae Johnson suffers apparent injury, leaves preseason finale

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson possibly suffered an injury on a big play catch during their preseason finale against the Lions. Johnson made a fantastic catch down the left sideline on a 3rd-and-2 play 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.

Diontae Johnson suffers potential preseason injury

“Diontae Johnson looked like he landed awkwardly on his shoulder in that 38-yard reception. Now he’s out for the rest of the game. Chase Claypool has also been working through a shoulder injury throughout camp,” explained ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Although the Steelers hadn’t provided an official injury update for Johnson at the time, the injury is one to watch for sure as the preseason draws to a close. Chase Claypool is battling a shoulder injury of his own already and although rookie George Pickens has begun to make a name for himself, having injuries to their top receivers is not a good situation to be in before the regular season kicks off.

The Steelers had a busy offseason of moves at the wide receiver position, including the departure of Juju Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud — three of their biggest names in the wide receivers room.

To offset the loss of personnel, Pittsburgh added Pickens via the 2022 NFL Draft with their second-round pick, as well as adding Gunner Olszewski from the New England Patriots and Miles Boykin from the Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson’s big play saw a positive impact on the field despite the injury, as it kick-started the best offensive series Pittsburgh put together in the first half. The Steelers were facing a three-and-out prior to an offsides penalty against the Lions that set up the down and distance for Johnson’s 38-yard grab. Pittsburgh rode the momentum to a quick drive down the field with heavy gains by Najee Harris before stalling out due to penalties and ending with a Pittsburgh a field goal.

As the second half began, head coach Mike Tomlin provided a bit of reassurance for fans by indicating that there was no long-term concern for Johnson’s injury.

“Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says on the CBS broadcast that there is no long-term concern for the team in regards to the injuries to Edge T.J. Watt (knee) and WR Diontae Johnson (shoulder),” said ESPN’s Field Yates.