The Bengals outscored the Steelers, 65-20, of their two video games final season, so it’s honest to say Pittsburgh will need assistance offensively when it performs the AFC champions Sunday. Broad receiver Diontae Johnson, battling a left shoulder damage, shall be among the many group’s weapons.
“I’m again on observe and able to go,” Johnson stated, via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette.
Johnson injured his shoulder throughout the closing preseason sport in opposition to the Lions. He was restricted in Thursday’s observe, however he famous foot cramping pressured him to take a seat out, not his shoulder.
“My foot locked up on me,” Johnson told Batko.
Former Bears Professional Bowler Mitch Trubisky, who hasn’t began a sport since 2020, will begin for the Steelers at QB. His backup is first-round draft decide Kenny Pickett, the fanbase favourite and former Pitt star.
Along with Johnson at extensive receiver, the Steelers have wideout Chase Claypool, who’s dogged by questions on his maturity and focus, and rookie George Pickens.
Pittsburgh, which has excelled in drafting extensive receivers just lately, apparently gambled by taking Pickens within the second spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft. In a narrative revealed after the draft, a large receivers coach instructed The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman that Pickens has “… so many crimson flags, they usually’re massive crimson flags.”
If he certainly had crimson flags, the Steelers ignored them, and Pickens impressed in coaching camp with dazzling catches.
With Johnson set to play in Week 1 and Pickens able to go, the Steelers would possibly rating greater than 20 factors in opposition to the Bengals this season.
