Posted on: September 13, 2023, 03:06h. 

Last updated on: September 13, 2023, 03:06h.

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. The team also lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cam Heyward to a groin injury in Week 1.

The Steelers were a popular betting choice as a +2 home underdog against the 49ers in Week 1. However, they struggled and were blown out 30-7.

The 49ers took an early 10-0 lead and the Steelers were unable to recover. They scored their only touchdown of the game with ten seconds remaining in the second quarter, but the 49ers dominated the rest of the game and won 30-7.

Diontae Johnson Headlines Week 2 Injury Report

Johnson played 27 offensive snaps in Week 1 before his hamstring injury. He had three receptions for 48 yards.

Johnson sustained the injury while making a 26-yard reception. He left the game and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Heyward also suffered an injury in the first half and will undergo surgery. He is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

“Losing Cam is significant, but that’s what team is about,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. “Replacing Cam is not a one-man job, man. It is a multiple-man job and a coach’s job because it changes your schematics when you lose significant players. We all acknowledge that, and we all run to that, not away from that. That’s an opportunity for us to show what team is about things that we hold near and dear, like next man up.”

Tomlin plans to use a rotation of different defensive linemen to replace Heyward.

In addition to Johnson and Heyward, the Steelers also had several other players go down with injuries in Week 1.

Next Man Up at WR: George Pickens, Allen Robinson II

With Johnson out, George Pickens will become the Steelers’ primary wide receiver. Allen Robinson II will take over as the WR #2. Calvin Austin III will fill the slot receiver position.

Gunner Olszewski is also on the roster and provides depth at the wide receiver position.

Betting the 0-1 Steelers

The Steelers have been consistently successful in recent years, but they are off to a rough start this season with a loss in Week 1. They are determined to avoid an 0-2 start and view their Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns as a must-win game.

The Steelers have a win total of 8.5 for the season. The over/under odds are +130 for the over and -150 for the under.

They have +205 odds to make the playoffs and -255 odds to miss the playoffs, according to DraftKings.

In Week 2, the Steelers opened as a +2 underdog against the Browns on Monday Night Football. The line has since moved to +2.5.

The AFC North is known for tough and physical football. The Browns and Baltimore Ravens are the favorites to win the division, while the Cincinnati Bengals have seen their odds decrease after a Week 1 loss.

Despite their Week 1 loss, the Steelers remain a long shot to win the AFC North and the Super Bowl.