Steelers Surprisingly Bench Donte Moncrief for Rookie Diontae Johnson vs 49ers
By Michael Luciano
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Donte Moncrief to a two-year, $9 million contract in the offseason, and he hasn't even made it through the first of September without an unceremonious benching.
The former Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver has had serious issues holding onto the ball, and his drops issues have forced Mike Tomlin's hand. The head coach has named Moncrief among the inactives for Week 3 against San Francisco, elevating rookie third-round pick Diontae Johnson in his place.
Ooooh boy. @MikeGarafolo reports that #Steelers WR Donte Moncrief will be inactive this week after a rough last week. A full youth movement in Pittsburgh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2019
Moncrief has just three catches for seven yards this season. Mixed in there was one painful drop that bounced off of his hands and right into the arms of Seahawks DB Bradley McDougald one week ago.
This decision will mean a heavy dose of attention for Johnson, who starred in a high-octane Toledo offense in college and could be in line for a few downfield shots from Mason Rudolph.
“They just put me in there and told me I’m the starter from here on out."
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) September 20, 2019
- Diontae Johnson, per @937theFan
its time pic.twitter.com/nQYlaxyaQQ
Johnson is certainly a more speedy option, and carries a lot more potential than a retread like Moncrief, who may very well be playing his way out of the Steel City.