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.”
Related:
• Steelers RB Najee Harris has been dealing with sprained Lisfranc injury since early August• Trubisky leads TD drive in 2-minute offense, helps Steelers beat Lions in preseason finale
• Tim Benz: Despite 3-0 preseason record, very few Steelers' questions have been answered
• Mark Madden: If there was a Steelers quarterback competition, Mitch Trubisky won it
• Madden Monday: Steelers 'think they are far better than what they are' — the offensive line may be their undoing
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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