Steelers get WR James Washington back, place LB Buddy Johnson on COVID list

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a pair of roster moves related to COVID-19. First, the team announced that wide receiver James Washington was coming off of the Reserve/COVID-19 list. This should make Washington available for Sunday’s playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Steelers placed inside linebacker Buddy Johnson on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Johnson had been on the Reserve/Injured list and according to the team, he will return to IR once he comes off the COVID list.

Johnson hasn’t had much of an impact this season on defense. He came out of Texas A&M with a solid resume but despite all the problems the Steelers have had at inside linebacker, he’s still been buried on the depth chart.

We have placed LB Buddy Johnson on the Reserve/COVID-19 List (from the Reserve/Injured List).

Following his removal from the Reserve/COVID-19 List, he will remain on the Reserve/Injured List.https://t.co/e9vYyZ7EjL

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 13, 2022