Diontae Johnson could possibly miss the Steelers season opener

Despite having a solid preseason, the Steelers ended the preseason with many more injuries than they would have preferred going into the Bengals game.

For the most part, there is only one injury to a starter that could severely impact their first game. The others are mainly minor, except two backups are out for the first five weeks of the season, which is not what you want to see before the season opener. Mainly when your opponent played in the Super Bowl the season before.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their first official injury report of the season on September 7th, and for the most part, it looks pretty encouraging. However, Diontae Johnson’s status has us a little worried. Here is the current injury report of the Steelers four days before kickoff:

Calvin Austin WR: Out (Foot)

Steelers fans had waited all summer to get a glimpse of Calvin Austin in a game; however, that never happened. Now Fans will have to wait at least five weeks before they will get to see him play. The injury he suffered in training camp has still not improved.

As a result, the Steelers placed him on the injured reserve, meaning the earliest he can return is October 9th. There is no indication he will return by then, though, as that would be mere speculation. So it will be a while before we see him involved in the Steelers offense.

Damontae Kazee S: Out (arm)

Having made the final roster, Kazee will not see any action for at least the season’s first five weeks. He suffered an arm injury in the last preseason game against the Lions. While the full severity is unknown, the injury will require surgery. Thus, a return by October 9th could be purely speculative in this case.

In any case, until he returns, Tre Norwood is the projected replacement headed into the first week of the season; however, Maulet, Sutton, or Killebrew can fill in in certain situations. The rumor mill has generated a few names the Steelers could sign or trade for; however, nothing has played out, so for now, just assume the Steelers use in-house options to replace Kazee.

T.J.Watt LB: probable (Knee)

T.J. Watts’s injury in the Lions game put a scare into fans. While still on the report as questionable, there is nothing to indicate he will miss the season opener. In addressing the block by T.J. Hockenson that took him out of the game, he did state that the hit only caused discomfort, and they only took him out of the game as a precaution. Something echoed by Coach Tomlin in the post-game conference. The good news is that he was a no-show on the Steelers injury report and he should be good to go.

Diontae Johnson WR: questionable (shoulder)

Johnson was another casualty in the Lions game. In the press conference last Tuesday, Coach Tomlin indicated he was optimistic Johnson would be available against the Bengals, according to Dale Lolley of DK sports. He also reported that Tomlin backs the sentiment that both Johnson and watt avoided serious injuries. Field Yates of ESPN reported a similar story.

Nevertheless, some think his injury is the most serious of anyone else on the team, leading to speculation that he could end up missing the Bengals game. Many updated injury reports online feel he could miss Sunday’s opener even as late as mid-Wednesday morning. Thus his designation of questionable is truly that. We will have to wait and see what the Steelers announce at game time. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, which is at least a somewhat encouraging sign.

Marcus Allen CB: questionable (Hamstring)

Marcus Allen has struggled with this injury for most of the summer. Despite being listed as a limited participant in practice, the injury is day-to-day. He likely could be a game-time decision, yet no one seems to think he should miss the game Sunday.

The Steelers should update their injury report on their website going into the first game between now and Saturday. So check there for any updated or late-breaking injuries that might occur before game time or for injury news on their opponent. Thankfully most injuries here are short-term or day-to-day, so everyone on the list so far should return relatively quickly. Nonetheless, there will always be a few additions to the injury list after that first game so stay tuned.