Mike Tomlin anticipating return of 'expert route running' from Steelers WR Diontae Johnson

The play on which Diontae Johnson injured his hamstring in the season opener is one the Pittsburgh Steelers have been missing in his absence.

Johnson caught a pass from Kenny Pickett 5 yards downfield, then he turned it into a 26-yard gain by juking his way down the field before he was tackled.

Johnson is expected to be activated from injured reserve before the Steelers face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and his presence is needed for an offense that ranks No. 30 in yards and points.

At his weekly press conference Tuesday, coach Mike Tomlin ticked off the one attribute that could help improve the Steelers’ production with Johnson on the field.

“Expert route running,” he said. “He’s a route runner — vertical, non-vertical. He can create separation at break points. That is his distinguishing trait, but that is no secret.”

Until his injury, Johnson had three catches for 48 yards. Although he didn’t score a touchdown last season, Johnson led the Steelers with 86 catches and 886 yards.

Lack of splash

Minkah Fitpzatrick has logged 101 snaps in the slot, the most of any Steelers defensive back this season. By playing closer to the line of scrimmage this season, Fitzpatrick has become the team’s leading tackler. He has 41 total tackles that include 29 solo – both team highs.

With Fitzpatrick playing fewer snaps as a true free safety, he recorded two pass breakups and no interceptions through five games. Last season, Fitzpatrick had a team-high six interceptions and he was third on the team with 11 pass breakups.

Tomlin said the sample size is too small to make an accurate judgment on Fitzpatrick’s season.

“Minkah is going to make his plays,” he said. “There are blocks of games in the past maybe where T.J. (Watt) was not getting sacks. T.J. is going to get sacks. Minkah is going to make splash plays. That’s what All-Pros do.”

Injury update

Aside from defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who remains on injured reserve, Tomlin could have a healthy roster when the Steelers face the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland returned to practice Monday, starting a 21-day window in which they must be activated from injured reserve.

“They’ll be working in a variety of capacities,” Tomlin said. “We’ll let the quality of participation and the amount, coupled with conditioning, be our guide for activation this week.”

Johnson already has said he will be activated in time for the game.

Tomlin said right guard James Daniels will continue to practice this week along with tight end Pat Freiermuth, defensive end DeMarvin Leal and punter Pressley Harvin III. They all sat out against Baltimore. Daniels and Harvin didn’t play against Houston, either.

“We’re excited about the relative health of our group,” Tomlin said.