Diontae Johnson Injury: Top WR Likely to Play With Shoulder Sprain

Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as he continues to work through a left shoulder injury that he suffered during Pittsburgh's preseason finale.

Based on the video, Johnson appeared to suffer an AC joint injury and is likely to play in Week 1, but may require a pain-numbing injection, according to the Pro Football Docs. He has a SIC score of 88 for Week 1.

The wideout said he is unsure whether or not he will be available on Sunday, and local reporters were split on his chances of playing.

Mike Girardi noted that Johnson showed strong extension with his left shoulder, but Brian Batko added that he wouldn't count on Johnson to play in Week 1.

Johnson suffered the likely AC joint sprain on Aug. 28 on a 38-yard reception down the left sideline, one of his best plays of the preseason.

The 26-year-old was a standout in an otherwise substandard Steelers offense in 2021, setting career highs with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnson missed one game early in the season last year with a knee injury but wasn't listed on the injury report in 17 of 18 weeks of the campaign. 

Sports Injury Central is the home of Pro Football Doc – the FanDuel Official Injury Expert – and a leading panel of former team physicians from the NFL, NBA, and MLB. The team analyzes injuries to give fans an edge with their wagering and fantasy sports activities. For Sports Injury Central's best bets based on our SIC Score algorithm and Injury analysis check out our new feature: SIC Picks.