Diontae Johnson injury: Steelers promote WR from practice squad to help replace sidelined veteran, per report

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Instead of getting outside help, the Pittsburgh Steelers are using in-house talent to help fill the void left by Diontae Johnson’s hamstring injury. With Johnson expected to miss several weeks, the Steelers have promoted Dez Fitzpatrick off the practice squad (h/t Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider). 

Fitzpatrick was added after the Steelers placed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cameron Heyward on injured reserve. Heyward underwent surgery this week and is expected to be out for eight weeks. Both Heyward and Johnson suffered their injuries during Pittsburgh’s 30-7 loss to the 49ers in Week 1. 

Fitzpatrick, 25, was added to the Steelers’ practice squad shortly after the team released their initial 53-man roster. He played in 76 snaps during the preseason (on offense as well as on special teams) but was targeted just twice. 

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