Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks to wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
PITTSBURGH — It’s been a forgetful start of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team will be without wide receiver Diontae Johnson for foreseeable future. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Johnson (hamstring) will be sidelined “a few weeks.”
Johnson injured his right hamstring in the 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. He had three catches on six targets before leaving the game early in the second half.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson missed more than a few games if the injury is as serious as it appeared. The 27-year-old led the Steelers in receptions last season and was expected to be the No. 1 target for Kenny Pickett.
With Johnson sidelined, George Pickens and Allen Robinson picked up the slack, each seeing seven targets. Speedy WR Calvin Austin who had six targets, should see extended playing time in Johnson’s absence.
The news comes a day after the Steelers announced defensive end Cam Heyward’s groin injury is going to keep him out for an extended period of time.
Head coach Mike Tomlin will hold his weekly news conference at noon Tuesday and will give further updates on all of the injuries from Sunday.
