Diontae Johnson is expected to miss “a few weeks” of action after he suffered a hamstring injury during the Steelers’ 30–7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Johnson exited Sunday’s game early in the second half and was ruled out from returning to the contest midway through the third quarter. Prior to leaving the game, Johnson led all receivers with three catches for 48 yards.
The Steelers’ offense struggled mightily in Sunday’s defeat, finishing with only 239 yards of total offense with 198 coming in the passing game. With Johnson’s absence, second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett will now rely on wide receivers George Pickens, Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth to carry the bulk of receptions in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Johnson has become a consistent target in the Steelers passing game. In each of the last three seasons, the fifth-year wide receiver has registered more than 800 receiving yards and has recorded 3,694 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career.
Pittsburgh (0–1) will seek to bounce back and earn its first win of the season on Monday Night Football against the Browns.
