Steelers notebook: Injuries to T.J. Watt, Diontae Johnson not expected to be serious

Chris Adamski
Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022 9:23 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022 9:23 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt watches from the sidelines after suffering a minor knee injury during the second quarter Sunday.

It could have been the worst nightmare for the Pittsburgh Steelers: two of their Pro Bowl players leaving this year’s final preseason game because of injury.

Coach Mike Tomlin, though, quelled fears about the status of receiver Diontae Johnson and outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Johnson suffered a shoulder injury during the second series of Sunday’s 19-9 win against the Detroit Lions, and Watt left during the second quarter after suffering a knee injury.

“We don’t expect (either) to be serious,” Tomlin said. “Maybe they could have come back into the game had it been different circumstances. We’ll monitor those guys and evaluate them and proceed from there.”

Other injuries

Tomlin was not as optimistic about No. 3 safety Damontae Kazee, who left the game during the third quarter because of an arm injury.

“Kazee’s injury could be perceived as more serious,” Tomlin said. “He’s being evaluated now. It makes his availability in the near future questionable.”

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Undrafted rookie cornerback Carlins Platel suffered a lower-body injury late in the game. Tomlin did not provide any update on him, but Platel was spotted in the locker room moving gingerly on crutches.

Did not play

Among Steelers who did not play at all Sunday because of injury were fullback Derek Watt (shoulder), defensive linemen Isaiahh Loudermilk (rib) and Montravius Adams (ankle), offensive tackle Joe Haeg (concussion), outside linebacker Alex Highmsith (rib), inside linebacker Marcus Allen (hamstring), defensive back Arthur Maulet (hamstring), safety Miles Killebrew (pectoral) and receivers Chase Claypool (shoulder) and Calvin Austin (foot).

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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.