Three Pittsburgh Steelers players who have combined for nine All-Pro honors left Sunday’s victory against the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return because of injury.
Receiver Diontae Johnson and guard David DeCastro did not play after first-half injuries to their back and abdomen, respectively. Center Maurkice Pouncey left the game in the fourth quarter because of a foot injury.
Coach Mike Tomlin offered vague updates for each of them during his postgame remarks.
“Diontae Johnson took a direct blow to the back,” Tomlin said, referring to a punt return. “I think he may be available next week. DeCastro had an abdominal injury that’s being evaluated. His availability is in question, but I’ll have more information… Tuesday.
“(Pouncey) is being evaluated right now. Don’t have a lot of information on his foot.”
Johnson’s absence, in part, gave increased opportunities to rookie Chase Claypool, contributing to his four-touchdown game. Rookie Kevin Dotson filled in for DeCastro at right guard, just as he did for all of a Week 2 win against the Denver Broncos.
J.C. Hassenauer made his first regular-season NFL appearance on offense in place of Pouncey late Sunday.
Linebacker T.J. Watt also sat out a fourth-quarter series because of an undisclosed injury, three days after missing practice because of a knee ailment. Rookie Alex Highsmith replaced him for the start of a crucial Philadelphia possession.
“I got nicks and bruises, and that’s part of the game,” Watt said. “I just went to the sideline to make sure everything was all right and getting cleared and going back out playing.”
The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns next Sunday.
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