The Pittsburgh Steelers have endured an early offensive setback ahead of their rivalry game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday, as standout wide receiver Diontae Johnson will not play.
Johnson, via ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, is going on injured reserve (IR) stemming from a hamstring injury. But for how long?
Timetable for Diontae Johnson To Return
With Johnson on IR, he will miss up to four weeks. That means along with the MNF contest versus the AFC North rival Browns, Johnson will also miss Week 3 at the Raiders, Week 4 at the Texans, and the Steelers’ home matchup versus the Ravens in Week 5, at a minimum.
MORE: NFL Injury Tracker
Johnson was first listed as DNP “did not practice” this past Saturday per the league’s waiver wire. Now, Pittsburgh will have to adjust without its 2021 Pro Bowler.
Before the injury, Johnson caught three passes for 48 yards in the 30-7 lopsided loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Last season, he started in all 17 games and ended up with 86 receptions for 882 yards but scored no touchdowns — a first for his career.
Who Can the Pittsburgh Steelers Trust Ahead of the Browns’ Contest?
While Johnson is out, George Pickens was limited in practices ahead of the MNF showdown with a similar ailment. Steelers fans are already anticipating him becoming the lead option among wideouts for quarterback Kenny Pickett in Johnson’s absence.
George Pickens at WR1 tonight 👀
— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) September 18, 2023
Even Pittsburgh beat writer for Steelers Now and Locked on Steelers, Nick Farabaugh, said the former Georgia Bulldog has a strong chance to showcase himself in Year 2.
“These next 4 weeks are enormous for George Pickens. After the colossal hype all Summer, it’s his audition in a WR1 role,” Farabaugh posted on X.
“I’ve seen him do crazy things in practice and on the field in flashes. Now, let’s see what that looks like as the alpha guy in the offense.”
But the Steelers also have Calvin Austin to turn to, who led Pittsburgh with six catches in the 49ers’ loss. The fellow second-year wide receiver is expected to handle slot WR duties.
Then there’s the veteran Allen Robinson II, who caught five passes for 64 yards in his Steelers debut. But Pittsburgh may opt to try to get tight end Pat Frieiermuth more involved, as he caught the only touchdown for the team last week.