Report: Trubisky confronted Johnson in locker room before Week 4 benching

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitchell Trubisky confronted wide receiver Diontae Johnson in the locker room before his second-half benching against the New York Jets in Week 4, sources told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Johnson reportedly yelled at Trubisky to throw him the ball more, and Trubisky stood up as the two had a heated exchange. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was then told he'd start the third quarter, according to Dulac.

Pittsburgh struggled offensively in the first two quarters versus the Jets and went to the locker room trailing 10-6 at home. Trubisky completed 7 of 13 pass attempts for 84 yards with one interception. He was picked while targeting Johnson, who saw the ball skip off his hands before Jets defensive back Lamarcus Joyner caught it.

Pickett, drafted in the first round this year, led Pittsburgh to 14 second-half points but was unable to avoid a 24-20 loss. He was then named the starter for the remainder of the campaign.

Pickett made his second NFL start in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but left in the third quarter after suffering a concussion. Trubisky came off the bench and completed 9 of 12 pass attempts for 144 yards and one touchdown while helping the Steelers clinch a 20-18 victory. It's unclear if Pickett will clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday night's matchup versus the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson has been Trubisky's most targeted player in 2022. However, the Pro Bowl receiver has hauled in just 21 of 36 targets for 196 yards and no touchdowns from the veteran quarterback.

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