Will Johnson Limited in Practice Today, Still On Track to Play in Week 1

Oct 28, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Will Johnson (46) celebrates his touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Although Will Johnson was limited in practice earlier today due to his bum hamstring, Scott Brown of ESPN.com reported that the fullback is still on “the right track” to play in Pittsburgh’s opening game versus Tennessee in Week 1.

Limited participation aside, this is nevertheless some great news for Pittsburgh’s offense since big things are expected out of Johnson in general after how well he performed as a rookie last fall.  Overall, the former West Virginia Mountaineer recorded 15 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown during the 2012 regular season after he replaced David Johnson as Pittsburgh’s starting fullback in Week 1 of the preseason.

Johnson, who was nicked up during preseason play with his hamstring and a rib injury, is also a player who figures to be a valuable part of the Steelers’ red zone offense this year too.  In fact, Pittsburgh will need their second-year fullback to shoulder an extra amount of the load in their passing game until Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth are able to return to the lineup from their respective injuries.

The Steelers will have “two more practices and one more walkthrough” before they take on the Titans on Sunday afternoon according to Brown’s article.  Thus, Johnson still has plenty of chances to practice and ready himself for Pittsburgh’s season opening game.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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