PITTSBURGH — Steelers second year wide receiver Diontae Johnson said he’s days away from being cleared for action on the field, and that he can’t wait to get back with the guys to start preparing for the 2020 NFL season.
Johnson hurt his groin in the second game last season, but played through the pain, putting up a strong rookie campaign with 59 catches for 680 yards and 5 touchdowns.
In the off-season, he posted pictures after having surgery to help his injuries heal.
Johnson told the media in a Zoom call that he’s talking with Ben Roethlisberger every day.
“It’s crazy, I mean it’s Big Ben. He’s great. Just being able to work out with him this off-season has been good. Just trying to get the timing down get a feel for what he likes and what he doesn’t like,” Johnson said.
Johnson, like all of us, doesn’t know what training camp will hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he can envision training camp being held at the Steelers Southside Headquarters. The Steelers told Channel 11 that a decision has not been made.
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In terms of the possibility of playing without fans in the stands, Johnson said it would be an adjustment.
“It’s going to be like a scrimmage. It’s the fans that get us going with their energy. It’ll be different if we have nobody in the stands. The game just wouldn’t feel right. It would feel like another practice,” he said.
Johnson feels like he still has to earn respect around the league.
He also talked about the challenges that second round pick Chase Claypool will face when he’s finally able to practice.
“I would say like the challenge he faces really is learning the offense through an iPad. I mean, just trying to pick up everything and not being able to learn in person and walk through the routes and stuff. Just trying to get to know everybody as well and get a feel for the room and the quarterbacks and stuff is gonna be different for him,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s primary goal is to win the Super Bowl. After that, he hopes to garner 1,000 yards receiving with a Pro Bowl spot, and to be named an All-Pro punt returner.
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