Steelers 'counting on' Johnson to be ready for Sunday taken on the South Side (Steelers)

EDDIE PROVIDENT / DKPS

Diontae Johnson.

Diontae Johnson might be ready to go for Sunday's season opener in Cincinnati.

That's might.

The availability of the Steelers' No. 1 receiver has been in question since he injured his shoulder in the preseason finale against the Lions. Johnson showed up on the injury report as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. But, prior to Thursday's practice, Matt Canada provided some optimistic news regarding his status.

"We're counting on him being ready to go," Canada said. "He was obviously limited yesterday and we feel good about his progress."

Johnson's teammates are also optimistic that the group will be at full strength.

"Diontae's looking great," Chase Claypool said prior to Thursday's practice. "We're deep with him, and we're excited to have him throughout the week."

Johnson remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice, and "cramps" was added along with his shoulder injury. Even so, Johnson is trending in the right direction to get on the field against the Bengals.

Of course, Friday's injury report will provide a more accurate barometer. Fortunately for the Steelers, they've dealt with running things without Johnson while he was holding in during training camp. And even with the departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Steelers have a deep group behind Johnson.

In other words: "Next man up.

"Coach (Mike Tomlin) says it so well all the time," Canada said. "Some guys are out, and it's an opportunity for somebody else."

Wide receiver coach Frisman Jackson has emphasized how the receivers pride themselves on being a position-less group. Claypool has bounced back and forth between the outside and the slot. As has rookie George Pickens. And in case Johnson can't play Sunday, it won't drastically affect the Steelers' game plan.

"We're deep," Claypool said. "So in case one of us does go down, we'll be able to keep the ball rolling."

"We feel good about the plan we have in place if that happens to anybody," Canada said. "So, we're hoping he's ready to go."

MORE FROM THE INJURY REPORT

Marcus Allen (hamstring) was upgraded from a limited participant on Wednesday to a full participant during Thursday's practice. Like Johnson, he is trending in the right direction.

Cam Heyward (coach's decision) did not practice Thursday. Hardly anything to worry about here.

• Conversely, Chukwuma Okorafor did not practice due to a back injury. Okorafor was arguably the Steelers' best offensive lineman during the preseason while the unit struggled as a whole. If Okorafor can't go Sunday, that would pave the way for Trent Scott or Jesse Davis to fill in at right tackle.

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