Ahead of their season finale against the Ravens on Sunday, the Steelers may be without their top wide receiver and a starter on their offensive line. Diontae Johnson and rookie center Kendrick Green have been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala).
Losing Johnson would be a huge blow to Pittsburgh’s passing attack, as he has recorded 100 catches for 1110 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games so far this year. Johnson had a massive game in Week 13 against the Ravens, making eight catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He would have a good chance of repeating that sort of performance in Week 18, given the beleaguered state of the Ravens’ cornerback room.
Green, a third round pick this past April, has started in all 15 games he has been available for this season. His absence could hinder the improved Steelers’ running game and overall pass protection, which has been a talking point for the team since the beginning of the campaign. Pittsburgh also placed starting corner Joe Haden on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.
The Steelers visit Baltimore on Sunday, needing – just like the Ravens – a victory and help from other AFC results to make it into the postseason.
Here’s hoping the Steelers make the playoffs, as their 2022 QB situation will make them an also-ran.
Their 2021, 2020, and 2019 QB situation also made them an also-ran.
Unless they trade for Rodgers.
Green and Moore starting this year shows you how they’ve let their depth wither away over the last few years.
The paragraph talking about how missing Green might hinder the Steelers run and pass game… did you notice how without green last week Najee ran for almost 200 yards??? Coincidence?
This week they have to play a team with a reason to try.
AB is available