RADIO
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-1 this season after losing 30-7 in Week 1 to the San Francisco 49ers. While the final score wasn’t surprising, the Steelers came away with several things to improve for the Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
At the top of the list is the offense. Pittsburgh looked prime to have a breakout season on offense during the preseason. Kenny Pickett looked like a star in the making. Meanwhile, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren displayed an impressive 1-2 punch at running back. Unfortunately, the offense fell flat on its face in Week 1.
Pittsburgh struggled to score one touchdown against a talented San Francisco defense. While the team failed to protect the quarterback and the ball, injuries also played a role in the Steelers’ struggles. Unfortunately, Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, and Cameron Heyward suffered injuries.
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Is Diontae Johnson Injured?
The good news for Pittsburgh is that Freiermuth returned to Sunday’s matchup after suffering a chest injury. Fantasy players have no reason to doubt that the star tight end will play in Week 2.
Unfortunately, the news wasn’t as good for Johnson and Heyward. The veteran defensive lineman will miss several weeks and undergo groin surgery. More importantly, the star wide receiver will miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
With Johnson out of the lineup, the Steelers will lean on George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, and Calvin Austin III.
Should I Pickup And Start Allen Robinson For Week 2?
While many believe Pickens will earn a significant increase in targets with Johnson out of the lineup, that isn’t the case.
When Johnson left the Week 1 matchup with a hamstring injury, Robinson and Austin were the two most productive Pittsburgh wide receivers. The veteran led the team in routes run, targets, and receiving yards after Johnson left the game. Meanwhile, Austin finished behind Robinson and Pickens in route run but ahead of Pickens in targets and receiving yards.
Therefore, Robinson is an under-the-radar waiver wire add this week. The former Penn State star hasn’t been consistently fantasy-relevant in over two years. However, he should have low-end WR3 or flex value until Johnson returns. Fantasy players should spend 5-7% of their free agent acquisition budget on Robinson.
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