For their final preseason game against the Detroit Lions, the Pittsburgh Steelers were without their top receiving threat and best defender. Diontae Johnson, a wide receiver, and T.J. Watt, a linebacker, were both ruled out of the Steelers’ 19-9 victory on Sunday, though coach Mike Tomlin thinks the injuries are minor.
Johnson hauled in a 38-yard reception from Mitch Trubisky before being tackled, appearing to fall awkwardly on his left shoulder. During that drive, Johnson got out and was examined in the blue medical tent before proceeding to the locker room.
Watt, the current defensive player of the year, suffered a left knee injury in the second quarter after being cut off by Detroit tight end T.J. Hockenson.
After the play, Hockenson appeared to apologize to Watt, and Watt stayed in the game for a little while before being removed.
Johnson, 26, agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $39.5 million earlier this month.
Safety Due to an arm injury, Damontae Kazee was also unable to participate.
Due to shoulder and foot injuries, respectively, the Steelers already played without receiver Chase Claypool and fourth-round draft pick Calvin Austin III against the Lions.
Trubisky started at quarterback in the victory and completed 161 of his passes for a touchdown. When they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on September 11, Pittsburgh will travel for the ninth straight season to get things started.