Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or George Pickens

Monday, September 18, 6:50 PM

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.

Tuesday, September 19, 11:00 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished with four receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets in a 26-22 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The 22-year-old led Pittsburgh's pass-catchers in targets and yards on Monday night and was the team's only offensive player to find the end zone. He did so after getting wide open over the middle of the field and taking a pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett 71 yards to the house. With Diontae Johnson (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, Pickens should continue to be the clear WR1 for the Steelers through their Week 6 bye. Pickens will look to capitalize on his opportunity once again in Week 3 in a soft matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.