Diontae Johnson, Anthony McFarland Jr. return to practice, but remain on IR

The Steelers have welcomed back receiver Diontae Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. to the practice field on Monday. However, the two players remain on the injured reserve list.

Pittsburgh released the news on Monday regarding the status of Johnson and McFarland.

Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in Pittsburgh’s season-opener against San Francisco. He had three catches for 48 yards prior to his departure in the third quarter.

McFarland is battling a knee injury, which has kept him sidelined. He also played in the Week 1 game against the 49ers, hauling in two receptions for 11 yards. The running back did not get any carries.

Per the team’s website, the Steelers have a 21-day window to activate Johnson and McFarland or they’ll remain on the injured reserve list for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season.

Diontae Johnson comments on return for Steelers

There was never any doubt, at least in Johnson’s mind, that he’d be back on the field for the Steelers at some point this season. The five-year veteran is itching to catch passes again.

“(Heck) yeah, I’m coming back,” said Johnson. “I’ve been working my behind off these last three, four weeks. I feel completely great and healthy. I am ready for Monday when we come back and get back to work.”

Johnson says he feels like he’s at full strength after going through the recovery process.

“I feel 100 percent right now,” said Johnson. “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.”

Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2021. He put up career numbers that season, hauling in 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. But his production dipped last year as Pittsburgh’s offense sputtered.

The receiver ended the year without a touchdown catch despite pulling down 86 passes for 882 yards.

Pittsburgh could desperately use the return of both Johnson and McFarland to help the offense. Although the Steelers own a 3-2 record, there have been some serious concerns on that side of the football.

The Steelers are coming out of a bye week and will play the Los Angeles Rams next week. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.