Steelers WR Chase Claypool returns, but Diontae Johnson has hip flexor injury

There was both good news and bad news regarding the statuses of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers on Monday. 

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Chase Claypool participated in practice for the first time since he banged up his shoulder on July 29. Head coach Mike Tomlin said at that time Claypool's issue was "probably not serious," but it's unclear if the 24-year-old will be available for this coming Saturday's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. 

However, Tomlin also told reporters on Monday that receiver Diontae Johnson did not complete practice and is dealing with a hip flexor injury. Johnson signed an extension with the Steelers and ended his "hold in" last week but is now considered "day-to-day." One would assume Tomlin will proceed with caution and keep Johnson out through the weekend if there are any concerns about the 26-year-old on Saturday afternoon. 

Pittsburgh's upcoming exhibition matchups are massive considering Tomlin is holding a quarterback competition between free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky, career backup Mason Rudolph, and rookie Kenny Pickett. Pickett allegedly "just isn’t close to being ready" and "may not be ready to play exhibitions yet," while Rudolph reportedly has been "the team's most accurate quarterback" during camp sessions. 

It's unknown how many reps the three will receive against Seattle. Pittsburgh plays at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 20.