Steelers Diontae Johnson Expected to Miss Browns Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to be without two of their better players in the short term after suffering injuries week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, which includes Monday Night against the Cleveland Browns. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward suffered a groin injury that could land him on injured reserve and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, wide receiver Diontae Johnson could miss multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury.
The Steelers loss at home to the 49ers was a disaster. Nothing went right. Their offense went nowhere and the 49ers exploited their defense for explosive plays, but they could only lose the game once. The injuries to Heyward and Johnson could be a lingering problem and put the Steelers at a major disadvantage to start the season.
Once again, the Steelers will be playing at home, but now they have to face the Browns coming off a dominant performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Heyward, a potential Hall of Famer, has been instrumental in the Steelers defense up the middle. His impact inside makes it easier for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to attack up the field and create havoc.
Without Heyward, the Steelers are likely going to lean heavily on rookie Keeanu Benton who has looked outstanding as a rookie. Overpowering in the preseason, he had a strong performance against the 49ers as well. The Steelers also have former Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi trying to help anchor the interior. The challenge for the Steelers will be their depth inside going against the middle of the Cleveland Browns offensive line.
Even as Ethan Pocic didn't have a great game against the Bengals, he was going up against the likes of D.J. Reader. Meanwhile, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller were able to take over the game and create running lanes for Nick Chubb as well as protect Deshaun Watson.
Diontae Johnson is a big loss for the Steelers. He's their primary speed and agility threat that can line up both on the outside as well as the slot. George Pickens is a terrific talent, but more of high point threat while Pat Freuermuth is imposing threat at tight end down the middle of the field.
In Johnson's place, the Steelers will likely turn to Calvin Austin III. He's only 5'8" 162 pounds, but he's shifty and has outstanding explosive ability. The Browns may need to play matchup man coverage and have Denzel Ward follow Austin around while Martin Emerson spends most of his time covering Pickens.
The Steelers, meanwhile, will be looking at how Watt can expose rookie Dawand Jones, who will be making his first start with Jack Conklin out for the season.
