Diontae Johnson 'doing whatever I can' to return from shoulder injury for Steelers opener

Diontae Johnson has two more days to return to full practice participation before the Pittsburgh Steelers open the season Sunday at Cincinnati.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver might need them as he recovers from a shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.

“It’s tough,” he said, “but I’m doing whatever I can to come back.”

Johnson was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. He and inside linebacker Marcus Allen (limited, hamstring) were the only players listed on the initial injury report of the season.

“I tried to do everything I could and what my arm allowed me to do,” Johnson said. “I’m doing literally everything I can to get back to the guys this Sunday.”

Johnson’s injury was the most serious one suffered by a starter in the preseason finale. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt left early with a knee injury but hasn’t missed practice time.

Johnson landed awkwardly — “a freak play,” he said — after catching a 38-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky on a deep pass down the left sideline. It was his only target among the seven snaps he played.

While coach Mike Tomlin indicated Johnson could have returned if the game had been meaningful, Johnson had a different opinion.

“I didn’t come back for a reason,” he said. “That (stuff) was hurting. I’m not going to lie. It’s annoying, but I can’t let that define me. … I feel like I’m on the right track, but I’m hard on myself. I have stuff I want to prove, and I have to make sure my body is healthy enough to play.”

In other injury news, the Steelers placed outside linebacker Hamilcar Rashed on the practice squad/injured list. Taking his spot on the practice squad is wide receiver Jaquarii Roberson, an undrafted free agent who had 1,078 receiving yards last season at Wake Forest and was cut by the Dallas Cowboys in training camp.