Steelers activate Johnson, but Freiermuth goes on IR

Not only will No. 1 Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth miss another game Sunday against the Rams, but he’s headed to injured reserve, the team announced Saturday. Freiermuth had a setback Thursday in practice with the hamstring injury that forced him out of the Week 4 game vs. Houston and now will miss at least four more games. There’s no retroactive designation for the game he already missed, so Freiermuth won’t be eligible to return until the Nov. 19 trip to Cleveland after missing matchups with the Rams, Jaguars, Titans and Packers.

There were no such setbacks for wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was officially activated from injured reserve. Johnson missed the minimum four games because of a hamstring injury of his own in the seasonopening loss to San Francisco. His activation was a formality after he practiced all week and anticipated making his return this weekend in Los Angeles.

With Johnson back, the Steelers also released backup wide receiver and return specialist Gunner Olszewski. All Olszewski specialized in this season was game-altering gaffes on special teams and his lone offensive touch. He caught one pass for 1 yard Week 2 against the Browns but fumbled on a big hit that also left him in the NFL concussion protocol. That followed a kick return that he fielded near the sideline and ended up out of bounds at his own 11-yard line.

It’s unclear who will handle kick returns against the Rams, as No. 3 running back Anthony McFarland remains on injured reserve and veteran cornerback Desmond King was cut this week. They could use fourthstring running back Godwin Igwebuike for the first time this season or give Austin double-duty.