Diontae Johnson News

Johnson led the Steelers in targets by a wide margin, though he struggled to turn that into production. Positively, he did manage a 32-yard catch -- the longest play from scrimmage for Pittsburgh -- and also chipped in a reception to convert a two-point attempt late in the game. Johnson struggled for much of the season and saw a steep dropoff in production as compared to 2021, particularly because he failed to find the end zone across 17 games. He remains under contract for two additional seasons with the Steelers, though Johnson could fall behind George Pickens in priority for targets in 2023.

Johnson's availability for Sunday's regular-season finale with the Browns temporarily looked to be in flux after the hip issue kept the wideout off the practice field Wednesday, but his ability to take every rep a day later clears up any concern about his status. Though health hasn't been much of a concern for Johnson this season -- he's played in all 16 of the Steelers' games to date while playing no fewer than 74 percent of the offensive snaps on every occasion -- the 26-year-old wideout has seen his production dip considerably following the retirement of longtime starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. With either Kenny Pickett or Mitchell Trubisky under center in 2022, Johnson has produced 84 receptions for 844 yards on 137 targets and still has yet to record a touchdown.

Johnson has been listed with hip and/or toe injuries for the past month without missing a single game. A return to practice Thursday, even in a limited capacity, would put him on track to play Sunday against the Browns. Another absence, on the other hand, might be cause for legitimate concern as the tries to go 17-for-17 on regular-season appearances amidst an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Johnson was not on the same page with quarterback Kenny Pickett in this one, resulting in a season low 29 percent catch rate. The veteran wideout was dealing with a hip injury during practice this week, and he went down holding his shin Sunday before ultimately returning and finishing the contest. It wouldn't be surprising to see the 26-year-old pop up on the injury report again in Week 18 following this punishing win. Assuming good health, Johnson will look to bounce back against the Browns on Sunday.

Johnson, who managed a toe issue ahead of Week 16 action, was limited during Wednesday's practice, but the wideout's full participation Thursday puts him on track to suit up Sunday night against the Ravens. In his team's 13-10 win over the Raiders last Saturday, Johnson recorded an 88 percent snap share, while catching five of his seven targets for 64 yards. This time around, he'll be facing a Baltimore defense that is allowing an average of 239.5 passing yards per game to date.

Johnson missed practice last Wednesday and Thursday before being listed questionable for this past Saturday's win over the Raiders. The wideout played in the contest, while logging an 88 percent snap share and catching five of his seven targets for 64 yards. With no reported setbacks, chances are Johnson's listed limitations Wednesday are a case of his reps being managed in advance of this weekend's game against the Ravens.