Was WR Diontae Johnson missing piece to Steelers offense?

The Steelers offense continued to struggle in the team's 24-17 win over the Rams in Week 7, but it certainly looked the best it has all season thanks to the return of a key contributor.

That player is WR Diontae Johnson, who was activated from injured reserve Saturday after missing five weeks with a hamstring injury. Johnson finished the day with five catches for 79 yards, including a 39-yard catch and run that sparked a touchdown drive for Pittsburgh.

Head coach Mike Tomlin believes Johnson's return to the lineup helped Pittsburgh's offense have an upper hand in one-on-one matchups.

"They couldn't lock in on 14 [George Pickens]," Tomlin told reporters. "They gotta play straight up and it was evident."

Pickens was certainly a benefactor in Johnson's return as he totaled five catches for a team-leading 107 receiving yards.

The two wide receivers gave themselves the nickname "Gin and Juice" in the offseason and it was clear the Steelers are better when both players are on the field.

The second-year wide receiver wasn't the only player happy to have Johnson back, however, as QB Kenny Pickett praised him after the game.

"It was great to have him back," Pickett said. "Having him and George out there on both sides ... they're two tough guys to cover."

Pittsburgh's offense still has a way to go as it still ranks as the second worst in total yards per game (273.5) and sixth worst in points per game (17.2), but the 21 points it put up in the second half has fans feeling optimistic.

Johnson and Pickens will have another great opportunity to show how well they complement each other in Week 8 when the Steelers (4-2) host the Jaguars (5-2), who are allowing the second most passing yards per game (273.9) in the league.