11:28 AM
Ben Roethlisberger's final game will likely be without his top receiver.
It's unlikely that Diontae Johnson and Kendrick Green will clear protocols in time for the regular-season finale at the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Cornerback Joe Haden was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, and the defensive coordinators entered protocols the same day.
Johnson has 1,100 receiving yards on 100 catches. He had two receiving touchdown in the last time the Ravens faced the Steelers. Second-year wide receiver Chase Claypool is second on the team with 823 receiving yards, but he has only one touchdown.
The Ravens have the worst pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 8.2 yards per attempt and 30 passing touchdown. Johnson had 105 yards on eight catches. He hasn't hit 100 yards in four games, but he's still Roethlisberger's favorite target with 159 targets. He caught the quarterback's only touchdown pass in Monday night's win.
J.C. Hassenauer started in Green's place, while Green was out with a calf injury. The run game thrived with Hassenauer in the lineup. Harris will likely be used more in Johnson's absence because the Ravens have the best run defense in the league.
