PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their top receiving threat and best defender for the end of their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson and linebacker T.J. Watt were both ruled out of Sunday’s 19-9 victory, although Steelers coach Mike Tomlin believes the injuries to be minor.
Johnson appeared to awkwardly land on his left shoulder as he was tackled while hauling in a 38-yard reception from Mitch Trubisky. Johnson exited during that drive and was evaluated in the blue medical tent before walking to the locker room.
Watt, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, injured his left knee after receiving a cut block from Detroit tight end T.J. Hockenson in the second quarter. Hockenson seemed to apologize to Watt immediately after the play, and Watt remained in the game briefly before being pulled.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said on the broadcast that there was “no long term concern at the moment” for Johnson or Watt.
“If this is a regular-season game, we may see them back in this game,” he said.
Johnson, 26, signed a two-year extension earlier this month worth up to $39.5 million.
Safety Damontae Kazee was also ruled out because of an arm injury.
The Steelers were already without receiver Chase Claypool and rookie fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III against the Lions because of shoulder and foot injuries, respectively.
In the victory, Trubisky drew the start at quarterback and threw for 160 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh will begin the season on the road for the eighth straight year when they meet the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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