The Pittsburgh Steelers placed wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee) on Injured Reserve on Monday and promoted running back Qadree Ollison from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster in a corresponding move. Johnson will now have to miss four games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Pittsburgh also has a bye in Week 6, so the 27-year-old could return in Week 7 in a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Fantasy managers should attempt to stash Johnson for now, as the 27-year-old should be heavily involved in the passing game once he's healthy again. In the meantime, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will be the team's three starting wideouts. Tight end Pat Freiermuth should also see an uptick in targets.
Sep 18, 2023 6:50 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) missed practice for the second straight day this week on Friday and isn't expected to play on Monday night in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns after injuring his hamstring in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With Johnson potentially out for up to a month, second-year wideout Calvin Austin III is expected to see more playing time and will start in three-wide sets next to George Pickens and Allen Robinson II. The 27-year-old Johnson didn't score a single touchdown in 2022 and is now injured early in 2023. Despite a disappointing start, he needs to remain stashed in all fantasy formats for now.
Sep 15, 2023 8:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) said there's no firm timeline for his return after injuring his hamstring in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and he's calling himself "day-to-day." He said he's doing better after not really being able to walk the first couple days after the injury. A day-to-day designation is pretty generous, as Johnson is expected to miss up to four weeks. The Steelers are currently considering whether to place him on short-term Injured Reserve, which would require him to sit out for four games. In the 27-year-old's absence, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin II will be the team's top three wideouts, with tight end Pat Freiermuth (chest) also likely to see more targets.
Sep 14, 2023 11:27 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) is expected to miss up to four weeks with the right-hamstring injury that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, according to team sources. Based on this timetable, it won't be a surprise to see him land on Injured Reserve at this point. The Steelers are on a bye in Week 6 as well, so if he does go on IR, the 27-year-old wouldn't be eligible to return to action until Oct. 22 against the Los Angeles Rams. It's a tough break for those that drafted Johnson, but he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues. In the meantime, receivers George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will serve as starters in three-wide sets, while tight end Pat Freiermuth (chest) will also see an increased pass-catching role.
Sep 13, 2023 11:01 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) is expected to be sidelined "a few weeks" with the right-hamstring injury that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, according to a source. If the Steelers put Johnson on Injured Reserve, he'd be forced to miss at least the next four games. The 27-year-old needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues, as he'll be one of the team's top receiving targets when healthy. The biggest beneficiary will likely be George Pickens, but Allen Robinson II and tight end Pat Freiermuth should also benefit from more targets coming their way, starting next Monday night in a matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Sep 12, 2023 11:00 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to get much done on offense, and now they'll be without one of their top receivers for the rest of the contest. George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth should see a heavier-than-normal dose of targets until Johnson can return. Calvin Austin figures to command an uptick in snaps, too.
Sep 10, 2023 3:12 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson once again proved to be a target hog in 2022, but disappointed for fantasy purposes as he failed to find the end zone a single time. His first opportunity to bounce back in 2023 will come at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Although San Francisco's defense limited quarterback and running back production last season, it was surprisingly vulnerable to wide receivers, surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points to the position. Led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, the Steelers offense is looking improved heading into the season, and Johnson should be one of the primary beneficiaries. The 27-year-old should be viewed as a low-end WR2 or high-end flex play this week, especially in PPR formats.
Sep 7, 2023 10:03 PM EST
Johnson has been "quietly shining" during the first week of training camp, Nick Farabaugh of SteelersNow.com reports.
Aug 3, 2023 3:47 PM EST
Johnson was spotted participating in Saturday's practice, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Jul 29, 2023 11:23 AM EST
Johnson's early exit from Friday's practice was related to the heat, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Jul 28, 2023 1:17 PM EST
Johnson left Friday's practice early and went back to the locker room on a cart, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Jul 28, 2023 12:31 PM EST
Johnson recorded two catches on 10 targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 28-14 win over the Browns.
Jan 8, 2023 3:51 PM EST
Johnson (hip) was a full practice participant Thursday.
Jan 5, 2023 11:52 AM EST
Johnson missed Wednesday's practice with a hip injury.
Jan 4, 2023 1:40 PM EST
Johnson had two receptions (seven targets) for 35 yards in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Ravens.
Jan 1, 2023 10:04 PM EST
Johnson (hip) was a full practice participant Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Dec 29, 2022 1:06 PM EST
Johnson (toe) was limited at practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Dec 28, 2022 1:02 PM EST
Johnson recorded five receptions on seven targets for 64 yards in Saturday's 13-10 win over the Raiders.
Dec 24, 2022 9:29 PM EST
Johnson (toe) is listed as active for Saturday night's game against the Raiders.
Dec 24, 2022 3:56 PM EST
Johnson (toe) returned to practice Friday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Dec 23, 2022 2:02 PM EST
Copyright 2023 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
