The Pittsburgh Steelers likely will be without their most prolific wide receiver and rookie center when they face the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale Sunday.
Diontae Johnson and Kendrick Green were placed on the reserve/covid list Thursday, putting their inclusion against the Ravens in jeopardy. Even with the NFL’s relaxed return-to-play protocols, Johnson and Green may not have enough time to return Sunday even if they are asymptomatic.
Johnson leads the Steelers with 100 receptions for 1,110 yards and eight touchdowns. Without him, the Steelers will have Chase Claypool, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud as the starters.
Green started the first 14 games before suffering a calf injury. J.C. Hassenauer started at center for the first time this season Monday night against Cleveland, and the Steelers had their best rushing performance of the year. Hassenauer likely will start against Baltimore.
The Steelers already had starting cornerback Joe Haden on the reserve/covid list. The team also announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Keith Butler was in the protocol.
In another move, defensive tackle Daniel Archibong was reinstated to the practice squad.
