Diontae Johnson is back, and he showed up in a big way in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 24-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
In what was only their second third-down conversion of the day, Kenny Pickett hit Johnson for a 39-yard gain late in the third quarter.
Kenny Pickett finds Diontae Johnson on a huge 39-yard dot!#PITvsLAR | via @NFL pic.twitter.com/BodOjZvcN4
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 22, 2023
“It was a really good route for him,” Pickett said in the postgame press conference. “He’s a great route-runner, gets separation. I just wanted to give him a chance to convert on third down.”
“It was great to have him back. I think you saw the effects it had having him and George out there on both sides, moving guys inside and out. They’re two tough guys that cover.”
Though the catch led to a game-tying Jaylen Warren score, he’s still looking for his own. A cloud hanging over Johnson’s head is a 20-game streak without a touchdown — his last came in Week 16 of the 2021 season.
Johnson finished the day with 79 yards on five receptions, his best showing since Week 15 last season.
Kenny Pickett speaks to the media following our win over the Rams. pic.twitter.com/iP5UtFz168
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 22, 2023