Diontae Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide Receiver #3
Pittsburgh Steelers
Wide Receiver #3
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Diontae Johnson News

Minimal production on 10 targets

Johnson recorded two catches on 10 targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 28-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Johnson led the Steelers in targets by a wide margin, though he struggled to turn that into production. Positively, he did manage a 32-yard catch -- the longest play from scrimmage for Pittsburgh -- and also chipped in a reception to convert a two-point attempt late in the game. Johnson struggled for much of the season and saw a steep dropoff in production as compared to 2021, particularly because he failed to find the end zone across 17 games. He remains under contract for two additional seasons with the Steelers, though Johnson could fall behind George Pickens in priority for targets in 2023.

Jan 8, 2023 3:51 PM EST


Returns to field with full practice

Johnson (hip) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: Johnson's availability for Sunday's regular-season finale with the Browns temporarily looked to be in flux after the hip issue kept the wideout off the practice field Wednesday, but his ability to take every rep a day later clears up any concern about his status. Though health hasn't been much of a concern for Johnson this season -- he's played in all 16 of the Steelers' games to date while playing no fewer than 74 percent of the offensive snaps on every occasion -- the 26-year-old wideout has seen his production dip considerably following the retirement of longtime starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. With either Kenny Pickett or Mitchell Trubisky under center in 2022, Johnson has produced 84 receptions for 844 yards on 137 targets and still has yet to record a touchdown.

Jan 5, 2023 11:52 AM EST



Held out of practice

Johnson missed Wednesday's practice with a hip injury.

Analysis: Johnson has been listed with hip and/or toe injuries for the past month without missing a single game. A return to practice Thursday, even in a limited capacity, would put him on track to play Sunday against the Browns. Another absence, on the other hand, might be cause for legitimate concern as the tries to go 17-for-17 on regular-season appearances amidst an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Jan 4, 2023 1:40 PM EST


Struggles with seven targets

Johnson had two receptions (seven targets) for 35 yards in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Ravens.

Analysis: Johnson was not on the same page with quarterback Kenny Pickett in this one, resulting in a season low 29 percent catch rate. The veteran wideout was dealing with a hip injury during practice this week, and he went down holding his shin Sunday before ultimately returning and finishing the contest. It wouldn't be surprising to see the 26-year-old pop up on the injury report again in Week 18 following this punishing win. Assuming good health, Johnson will look to bounce back against the Browns on Sunday.

Jan 1, 2023 10:04 PM EST


Logs full practice

Johnson (hip) was a full practice participant Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Johnson, who managed a toe issue ahead of Week 16 action, was limited during Wednesday's practice, but the wideout's full participation Thursday puts him on track to suit up Sunday night against the Ravens. In his team's 13-10 win over the Raiders last Saturday, Johnson recorded an 88 percent snap share, while catching five of his seven targets for 64 yards. This time around, he'll be facing a Baltimore defense that is allowing an average of 239.5 passing yards per game to date.

Dec 29, 2022 1:06 PM EST



Logs limited practice Wednesday

Johnson (toe) was limited at practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Johnson missed practice last Wednesday and Thursday before being listed questionable for this past Saturday's win over the Raiders. The wideout played in the contest, while logging an 88 percent snap share and catching five of his seven targets for 64 yards. With no reported setbacks, chances are Johnson's listed limitations Wednesday are a case of his reps being managed in advance of this weekend's game against the Ravens.

Dec 28, 2022 1:02 PM EST


Tallies five receptions

Johnson recorded five receptions on seven targets for 64 yards in Saturday's 13-10 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Johnson finished third on the team in targets, behind both Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris. He still managed a relatively productive performance, highlighted by gains of 15 and 14 yards, and he has now topped 60 yards in four consecutive games. Despite his recent run of productivity, Johnson has still yet to find the end zone in 15 games on the campaign.

Dec 24, 2022 9:29 PM EST


Active versus Raiders

Johnson (toe) is listed as active for Saturday night's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: Though Johnson, who the Steelers listed as questionable due to a turf toe issue, didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review previously relayed via running back Najee Harris that the wideout got some work in when the Steelers took the field Friday. With his Week 16 active status confirmed, Pittsburgh's top WR should see his share of targets Saturday from QB Kenny Pickett, barring any in-game setbacks. In his last outing, Johnson caught all 10 of his targets for 98 yards in his team's 24-16 win over the Panthers last weekend.

Dec 24, 2022 3:56 PM EST


Returns to practice Friday

Johnson (toe) returned to practice Friday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Johnson is questionable for Saturday night's game against Las Vegas after managing one limited practice Tuesday ahead of back-to-back absences Wednesday and Thursday. Steelers RB Najee Harris revealed Friday afternoon that Johnson had rejoined the team for its end-of-week practice, which won't show up on the official injury/practice report. In any case, Johnson said he'll be fine to play and now seems to be moving in that direction.

Dec 23, 2022 2:02 PM EST


Listed as questionable versus Raiders

Johnson, who didn't practice Thursday and is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Raiders, expects to be back on the field Friday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. "It was just a little toe, nothing major. I am good," Johnson noted Thursday. "I am going to be out there tomorrow. They just gave me a little two days off to let it rest. It's nothing major."

Analysis: Per Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com, the Steelers are slated to get some more work in Friday, at which point, there should be added context with regard to Johnson's Week 16 status. Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, Johnson indicated that he should be good to go versus Las Vegas.

Dec 22, 2022 2:05 PM EST


Misses practice

Johnson (toe) didn't practice Wednesday, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: Johnson caught 10 passes for a season-high 98 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Panthers, but he came out of the game dealing with turf toe and now appears uncertain for Saturday's matchup with the Raiders. Coach Mike Tomlin did say earlier this week that he expected Johnson to practice, and a return Thursday would put the veteran wideout on track to play.

Dec 21, 2022 2:56 PM EST


Listed as limited

Johnson (toe) is listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: The Steelers didn't hold an actual practice just two days after defeating the Panthers. They're on a short week, along with most of the NFL, but Johnson seems more likely than not to play after putting up a season-high 98 receiving yards against Carolina. He did play only 74 percent of snaps in the win, his first time below 81 percent share all season.

Dec 20, 2022 12:50 PM EST


Tending to turf toe

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Johnson is dealing with a turf toe injury, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: For a player with no touchdowns to his name in 14 appearances this season, Johnson's season-high catch total (10) and yards from scrimmage (100) from Sunday's win at Carolina was a welcome sight. He was working with backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky is that contest, but there's an expectation regular starter Kenny Pickett (concussion) is back for Saturday's matchup with the Raiders. Johnson himself has a health concern as the Steelers embark on Week 16 prep, but Tomlin added that he doesn't believe the injury will impact the wide receiver later this week, perhaps an encouraging sign that his availability isn't in danger.

Dec 20, 2022 9:35 AM EST


Makes 10 grabs

Johnson caught all 10 of his targets for 98 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Panthers. He also rushed once for two yards.

Analysis: Johnson hauled in every pass fill-in starter Mitch Trubisky threw his way, leading the Steelers in all major receiving categories while posting a season high in catches. That production came despite Johnson advocating earlier in the week for Mason Rudolph to start at quarterback with rookie Kenny Pickett (concussion) on the mend. While it remains to be seen who will be under center in Week 16 versus the Raiders, Johnson at least put together a strong performance in Sunday's win.

Dec 18, 2022 1:07 PM EST


Removed from injury report

Johnson (hip) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Panthers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: Johnson returned to a limited practice Friday after sitting out Thursday, and that was enough to convince Steelers brass that he'll be available come Sunday. Which quarterback will be throwing Johnson the ball remains to be seen. Kenny Pickett (concussion) is doubtful, and head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't name a starter between Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Earlier in the week, Johnson advocated for Rudolph to start if Pickett can't play.

Dec 16, 2022 11:42 AM EST


Sits out practice Thursday

Johnson (hip) didn't practice Thursday, the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Johnson managed a hip issue during practice last week as well, missing Thursday's session before returning to a limited practice Friday. With that in mind, it's plausible that Johnson's latest absence is maintenance-related, rather than the result of a setback. Added clarity on that front will arrive once the Steelers' final injury report is posted ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Dec 15, 2022 12:02 PM EST


Tallies 82 yards

Johnson recorded six receptions on eight targets for 82 yards in Sunday's 16-14 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Johnson led the Pittsburgh receiving corps in targets, receptions and yards with a combination of Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky under center. His day was highlighted by a 37-yard catch late in the fourth quarter, which helped set up a late touchdown by Pat Freiermuth. While Johnson's performance wasn't all that noteworthy, it marked his highest yardage total since Week 3.

Dec 11, 2022 6:02 PM EST


All cleared for Sunday

Johnson (hip) will not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Johnson previously was listed as questionable for Sunday's contest despite two days of practicing in limited fashion, but the slot receiver is now officially cleared for action ahead of the pivotal divisional matchup. The 26-year-old has drawn 19 targets over the past two weeks, but he's managed to corral just 10 receptions over that stretch as Johnson's reception rate has dramatically fallen off with rookie QB Kenny Pickett under center.

Dec 10, 2022 9:56 AM EST


Listed as questionable for Sunday

Johnson (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens after returning to a limited practice Friday. Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Johnson went from a limited session Wednesday to missing Thursday's practice, but his return to the field Friday bodes well for his chances of suiting up this weekend. Per Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com, Johnson indicated Friday that he's "feeling good" at this stage, and fortunately for those inclined to use the wideout in Week 14 fantasy lineups, the Steelers kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday.

Dec 9, 2022 10:39 AM EST


Managing hip issue

Johnson indicated Friday that he's "feeling good" and feels as though he'll be able to play Sunday against the Ravens, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, the hip issue that has impacted Johnson's practice participation this week stems from an injury he sustained in Week 13 versus the Falcons. Friday's final injury report will clarify whether Pittsburgh's top wideout heads into the weekend with an injury designation or cleared to face Baltimore.

Dec 9, 2022 10:16 AM EST


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