Chris Adamski stories, Page 47
Diontae Johnson sent home by Steelers — because of illness, not discipline
Diontae Johnson was sent home by the Pittsburgh Steelers before Thursday’s practice. But it wasn’t for any discipline or any other reason, the team said. It was because of illness. Johnson was criticized throughout the league for his lack of effort on a play during Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati...
NFL sets kickoff for Steelers’ Week 15 game against Colts
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 15 game at the Indianapolis Colts will be played on a Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff Dec. 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The NFL announced the schedule Thursday. For the first time this season the league installed additional flexible scheduling for late-season games, allowing for...
‘I own up to it’: Diontae Johnson addresses Steelers teammates for effort on fumble playVideo
Regarding the lackadaisical approach heard ‘round the NFL world, Diontae Johnson vowed, “It won’t happen again.” Three days after fans and analysts piled on Johnson after video showed him giving minimal effort in blocking, attempting to recover a fumble or tackle the Cincinnati Bengals player who did recover it, Johnson...
5 things we learned: Steelers offense finally avoids 3-and-outs, drove often into enemy territory
CINCINNATI – Five things we learned from Steelers 16, Bengals 10: 1. Free-and-out A quick review of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ drive chart from Sunday’s win reveals the (relative) absence of what had been one ubiquitous digit: 3. As in, a “3” under the category of “# plays” in the “Ball...
Diontae Johnson appears to give up on ball after Steelers fumble, draws ire from analysts, fansVideo
CINCINNATI — Another week, another controversy involving a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver. Sunday, it was Diontae Johnson who once again was drawing ire from fans and analysts across the internet and on television for his apparent lack of effort on a first-quarter play early during a Steelers win against the...
In 1st game post-Matt Canada, Steelers features tight ends, middle of the field, deeper passes
CINCINNATI — Whether intentional or not, on the first play of Sunday’s game, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense delivered a message. In the first game of the post-Matt Canada era, things apparently were going to look noticeably different under interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner and play-caller Mike Sullivan. Quarterback Kenny Pickett took...
Steelers notes: Joey Porter Jr. shuts down Ja’Marr Chase, team emerges healthy
CINCINNATI – Ja’Marr Chase had his moment in his game-long matchup against Joey Porter Jr. So, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star receiver took advantage of it. In the wake of a pretty 25-yard catch down the right sideline early during the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Porter’s Pittsburgh Steelers, Chase...
‘Don’t get it twisted:’ Diontae Johnson denies argument with Steelers teammates got heatedVideo
CINCINNATI — After this game in an Ohio-based visitors’ locker room, Diontae Johnson was relaxed, eager to speak to reporters and generally in a good mood. Johnson’s demeanor after Sunday’s 16-10 Pittsburgh Steelers win at the Cincinnati Bengals differed greatly from a standoffish refusal to talk to media after last...
Steelers scratch RB Anthony McFarland, new acquisition Blake Martinez against Bengals
CINCINNATI — After playing one offensive snap and being back to return nine opponent kickoffs during the past two games since coming off the injured reserve list, Anthony McFarland was designated as a healthy inactive for Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals. A fourth-year running back, McFarland was on IR...
Making 1st NFL start, Trenton Thompson makes momentum-altering play in Steelers’ winVideo
CINCINNATI — In his fourth pro game, third appearance with the Pittsburgh Steelers and first NFL start, Trenton Thompson made the play most responsible for swinging the momentum that ultimately resulted in a Steelers victory. “I didn’t think about the impact,” Thompson said of his third-quarter interception during a 16-10...
Steelers notes: Alex Highsmith fined for questionable roughing-the-passer call vs. Browns
Alex Highsmith’s roughing the passer infraction during last week’s game in Cleveland wasn’t the most egregious by any means. But while some Pittsburgh Steelers fans might argue Highsmith did not even deserve a flag for the play, the NFL still hit him with a fine. Highsmith was docked $16,391 by...
Steelers 4 Downs: Bengals a near-ideal foe to get Kenny Pickett, new play-caller jumpstarted
1. If not against them… The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new coordinator/playcaller tandem taking over for the fired Matt Canada has been afforded fortuitous scheduling, at least inasmuch as the opponents’ pass defense. Eddie Faulkner handled the game plan, and Mike Sullivan will call the plays for the Steelers’ 1 p.m. game...
Steelers notes: George Pickens hopeful for more open offense under Eddie Faulkner
George Pickens said he was not aware of Tuesday’s dismissal of Matt Canada until he showed up for work Wednesday. As for new offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and the energy he brings to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, Pickens probably won’t be asked explicitly to provide his input. He indicated Friday...
‘Not just a thumper’ – In 1st test in every-down role, Steelers’ Elandon Roberts thrives
Before Sunday, Elandon Roberts had appeared in 116 NFL regular-season games with 84 starts. He has won two Super Bowl rings, been part of three teams and been named a captain of two. But as much of a presence as Roberts has been in the middle of teams’ defenses, Roberts...
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Montravius Adams remain out, George Pickens to play Sunday for Steelers
It was a surprise earlier this week when George Pickens ended up on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ injury report. By Friday, Pickens was back to fully practicing, and he had an explanation for why he missed some time. “I just got kicked in my shin,” Pickens said. “A little UFC action,...
George Pickens returns to Steelers practice, albeit in limited capacity
Wide receiver George Pickens returned to Pittsburgh Steelers practice Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity, a day after he missed a full session because of a shin injury. Pickens has not missed a game over his two-year NFL career and remains on track to play in Sunday’s game at the...
Steelers’ DC Teryl Austin impressed with Trenton Thompson, Mykal Walker stepping in
Neither Trenton Thompson nor Mykal Walker was with the Pittsburgh Steelers when training camp began. At this time a week ago, neither was on the active roster. But by this past Sunday in Cleveland, each was playing a major role in the defense during a road game against a division...
On 1st day of meetings led by Eddie Faulkner, Steelers offense presses forward
Like during nine of the previous 11 Wednesdays before it (not counting their Thursday night game or the bye week), this particular Wednesday featured a full offensive meeting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This particular one, though, differed from all the others — and not because it was Thanksgiving Eve. New...
Minkah Fitzpatrick remains out, George Pickens misses practice for Steelers
To open up a fourth consecutive week of game preparation since suffering a hamstring injury, Minkah Fitzpatrick once again was unable to take part in a Pittsburgh Steelers practice. The All Pro safety sat out Wednesday’s session, according to the league-mandated injury report. Fitzpatrick has not played since an Oct....
In wake of NFL Week 11 honor, Jaylen Warren doesn’t foresee changes to Steelers run game
For everyone advocating wholesale changes to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in the wake of the firing of coordinator Matt Canada, running back Jaylen Warren reminds that in some aspects, they don’t want to change anything at all. The rushing offense is on a proverbial heater. The past three games have...
Steelers players react to firing of Matt Canada: ‘It’s sad. He’s a great guy’
Just like coach Mike Tomlin said they did in the hours after firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday morning, most Pittsburgh Steelers players received the news the same way many fans did. “I found out,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said, “on social media.” Freiermuth, first and foremost, reacted more...
Steelers sign veteran ILB Blake Martinez to active roster
The Pittsburgh Steelers added another veteran option to their depleted inside linebackers group with the signing of Blake Martinez announced Wednesday. Martinez, 29, has appeared in 84 NFL regular-season games with 78 starts since turning pro in 2016. He led the league in tackles for the Green Bay Packers in...
Steelers notes: No more ‘or’ between starter Broderick Jones and Chuks Okorafor at RT
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin initially was noncommittal about if the promotion of Broderick Jones was permanent. A pdf document sent out Tuesday made it official. Not that there was any question Jones would remain the Steelers’ starting right tackle for the remainder of the season. The rookie No. 14...
Steelers official depth chart moves Mykal Walker ahead of Mark Robinson at ILB
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new starter at inside linebacker. Officially. And it’s not their old starter at inside linebacker. Mykal Walker was listed as the first-team left inside linebacker on the team’s depth chart distributed to media in advance of Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals. Walker joined the...
Unlike continuity at head coach, Steelers have checkered history with offensive coordinators
A franchise that is widely lauded for having three head coaches over the past 54 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on their third offensive coordinator over the past 34 months after the Tuesday firing of Matt Canada. Canada’s tenure lasted 44 games. Believe it or not, that’s only the fifth-shortest...
