Following the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin only reported one player as being injured during the game. That one player, however, was a very important one as it was starting fullback Will Johnson, who had suffered a hamstring injury in the first half.
The Steelers were back on the practice field Monday to start preparing for their Sunday season opener against the Tennessee Titans and according to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, Johnson did not practice. Johnson said he hopes to practice Wednesday, but until he does, he should be considered questionable for the game.
As I previously noted, the Steelers decision to keep a Michael Palmer as a fifth tight end on their initial 53 man roster might be a sign that the team doesn’t expect Will Johnson to be ready to play come Sunday. If that indeed winds up being the case, tight end David Johnson will have to play fullback, while Palmer assumes the second tight end role behind starter David Paulson being as both Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth aren’t ready to play just yet.
Tomlin will likely address Will Johnson’s status Tuesday during his first regular season press conference, but he isn’t likely to tip his hand as to whether or not the fullback might be ready to play come Sunday.
The Steelers first injury report for the week will be released on Wednesday, so we will know then whether or not Will Johnson was able to practice at least on a limited basis.
