Diontae Johnson's return helps spark Steelers in productive 4th quarter of win over Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In his return from injured reserve, Diontae Johnson wanted to provide a spark for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

He made several important plays in the Steelers’ 24-17 victory Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, with two coming in the decisive fourth quarter.

On the first play of the final quarter, Johnson took a short pass from Kenny Pickett and weaved his way for a 39-yard gain, the longest play produced by the Steelers on the day. This set up Jaylen Warren’s 13-yard touchdown run that tied the score 17-17.

On the next possession, Johnson had an 11-yard catch that provided a first down and paved the way for Najee Harris to score on a 3-yard run that gave the Steelers the lead for good.

Johnson finished with five receptions for 79 yards. He also had a 19-yard catch and run taken away because of a penalty on George Pickens.

So much for that hamstring injury that kept Johnson out since the first half of the season opener.

“It gives Kenny another weapon out there,” Johnson said of his return after a four-game absence. “I feel like I can get open on almost any play. That’s my special ability — getting open and route running — and that’s what Kenny needs out there.”

Johnson’s presence also benefited Pickens, who also had five catches and led the Steelers with 107 receiving yards.

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“They couldn’t lock in on 14,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “They’ve got to play it straight up, and it was evident.”

Without Johnson in the lineup, defenses double-covered Pickens regularly. It also helped out the running game. The Steelers had 52 of their 86 yards rushing in the fourth quarter.

“We didn’t have much playmaking (before the bye),” running back Najee Harris said. “We had a couple guys making plays, but we needed more. Hopefully, when they see Diontae out there now, they will play a certain defense and not pack the box.”

Doubled up

Aside from his interception on the first play of the second half that set up the Steelers at the Rams 7, outside linebacker T.J. Watt was held in check by the Rams.

Watt finished with just one tackle and didn’t register a hit on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Trying to neutralize the NFL’s premier pass rusher, the Rams gave him extra attention. That forced Watt to occasionally switch sides and line up over the left tackle instead of the right.

“I was trying to find a one-on-one anywhere I could get it,” Watt said. “Unfortunately, I probably got maybe two or three today total. A lot of chips, but, fortunately, other guys stepped up.”

The Steelers finished with two sacks. While Watt was shut out, rookie Nick Herbig got the first of his NFL career. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi had the other.

Friendly faces

When Tomlin exited the visitors tunnel before the game, he found some of his former players waiting in the roped-off area behind the Steelers sideline.

Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu was in attendance. So were former linebacker James Farrior and cornerback Joe Haden.

“It was great to see some Steelers alumni and have their support,” Tomlin said. “It just warms my heart to see those guys.”

The Steelers also had about a 50-50 split in fan attendance. Thousands of Terrible Towels twirled after every big play, and the Rams offense at times had to go a silent count.

“Steelers Nation is incredible,” Watt said. “They’ve been incredible all season long. I want them to know how important that is to a defense.”