We’ve now learned that Matt Canada slander exists far and wide across the U.S., and not just in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers offensive coordinator remains public enemy No. 1.
Chants of “Fire Canada” were once again ringing Friday, except this time, not inside Acrisure Stadium. This time, “Fire Canada” chants were heard outside Ohio Stadium in Columbus on the set of “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Turns out, Steelers fans are everywhere — specifically ones who have been irked by Canada’s play-calling over the past three seasons. The Steelers, despite sitting at 3-2 and behind just the Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in the AFC North, own the league’s 30th ranked offense and are averaging just 15.8 points per game.
Thankfully for Canada and the offense, a key playmaker is expected to be back in the lineup for the Week 7 road tilt against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. Diontae Johnson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 1, returned to practice Monday, opening up the 21-day window in which the Steelers must activate him off injured reserve. Per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, Johnson is expected to be activated Saturday.
“Hell yeah, I’m coming back,” Johnson said last Tuesday. “I have been working my behind off these last three, four weeks. … Today was one of those days to see how far I have come along, and everything looks great out there to [the training staff].
“I felt completely great and healthy, so I am ready for Monday when we come back to start getting back to work.”
Steelers, Matt Canada awaiting return of Diontae Johnson
Johnson, 27, has led the Steelers in receiving each of the last three seasons. Over 49 games since 2020, he’s hauled in 284 receptions for 3,014 yards and 15 touchdowns. In the season opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he reeled in three of his targets for 48 yards.
Having spent four weeks on injured reserve, Johnson said he finally feels 100%.
“I feel 100 percent right now,” Johnson said. “The trainers, I appreciate them for pushing me through that whole process. Keeping my head level. Not coming in here down and stuff like that. I always had a positive attitude when I came here, and I was ready to work.
“Whatever they threw at me, I was going to do what I had to do to get it done.”
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