Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Addresses Diontae Johnson's Lack of Effort

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver will need to answer for his play against the Bengals.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson was the face of criticism for his lack of effort on a fumble during the team's Week 12 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Johnson dropped a pass in the endzone during the team's first drive, which many believed should have been called a touchdown. On the following play, Jaylen Warren fumbled while running to Johnson's side. On the replay, cameras caught Johnson not attempting to block his defender and then ignoring the ball on the ground. 

Watch Diontae Johnson on this play. Gives absolutely zero effort at any point and is unaware of what’s going on. Ridiculous. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/arx7VKEIki

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) November 26, 2023

After the game, Johnson told reporters that he did not see the ball or realize it was a fumble. 

"I just didn’t see it," Johnson said. "I was just doing what I was doing — blocking or whatever."

During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the situation and how he could address it to a veteran. 

"Diontae can't let the emotions of the previous down affect his next down," Tomlin said. "But I'll give him an opportunity to address that with [media]. I'll give him an opportunity to address that with his teammates. I'm not going to add any additional color. 

"I think plays like that are best described and outlined in those involved, and less so by guys like me. I keep my attention on challenging things that await us this week. Schematic preparation for Arizona and the readiness of this group. 

"It's something that he needs to answer for, and so I'll give him an opportunity to do that. His teammates will give him an opportunity to do that." 

Johnson has taken heat from across the media landscape and from fans since the incident. While he addressed it after the game, there's a chance he has more commentary when he meets with the media during the week - and has, or will have, conversations with his teammates about what transpired. 

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