Steelers' Cameron Heyward: Diontae Johnson 'hold in' won't 'harm the team in any way'

Star wide receiver Diontae Johnson and placekicker Chris Boswell are two members of the Pittsburgh Steelers currently looking to secure long-term contract extensions with the organization as of the early days of training camp. 

While Boswell recently remarked that he is "not going to start worrying about" his contract situation beyond the upcoming season, Johnson has not been a full participant in practices and is in the middle of a so-called "hold in" as he attempts to remain healthy and also force Pittsburgh's hand. 

As Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk, Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward addressed Johnson's tactics while speaking with reporters on Thursday and credited a mindset embraced by head coach Mike Tomlin as it pertains to others inside the locker room remaining focused on the task at hand despite the receiver's actions. 

"We’re here to do a job," Heyward explained. "Mike T always says one man’s misfortune is another man’s fortune. This gives a chance for other guys to step up — guys like George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Chase Claypool. They shouldn’t run from it. Diontae will be ready by Week 1. But I don’t think he’s going to harm the team in any way." 

Specifically, first-year pros Pickens and Austin should benefit from receiving additional opportunities working with quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett during an alleged competition that could be won by Trubisky sooner rather than later. Johnson will eventually catch passes thrown by Trubisky, but it's unclear when that day will arrive.