Pittsburgh Steelers Eying Return of Three Starters

The Pittsburgh Steelers are eying the returns of three starters when they return from the bye week and begin the second half of their season in Los Angeles.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) and running back Anthony McFarland (knee) are both eligible to return in Week 7 when the team takes on the Rams. Their practice windows open after the bye week, and according to Steelers Now, both players are targeting returns when the team gets back to the practice field.

If both players did return, the Steelers would add their top wide receiver back to the depth chart to help boost quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has found some success with George Pickens as his WR1 in the last four games.

As for McFarland, he’d give the Steelers a sense of comfort as a kick returner for the first time since his departure. In his absence, the team has utilized three players back there, but none have had much success.

The team also gave a hint that Pressley Harvin III will return to his punting duties after the bye week. After being elevated for the last two weeks to replace Harvin, who was dealing with a hamstring injury, the team has released practice squad punter Brad Wing.

Wing hitting the open market likely signals that Harvin is healthy enough to return after the bye, marking a third starter for Pittsburgh, who’s getting healthy.

The team is still waiting on tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring), defensive tackle Cam Heyward (hamstring) and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (knee). While Freiermuth is expected to miss 2-3 more weeks, and Heyward is expected to return until after Week 8, it’s unknown when Moore’s timeline is.