ST.Steelers Bench Star WR 723 Yards, 8 TDs as Mike Tomlin Sends Powerful Message on “Integrity Above All” — True Reason Behind His Absence Comes to Light

When the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Dante Johnson would miss their upcoming Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, the official explanation listed on the report was simply: personal reasons. No injury, no football-related issue — just a brief note on the status sheet.

But behind the scenes at Acrisure Stadium, the real story carried much more weight — and much more consequence.

According to multiple team sources, Johnson’s absence stems from a recent internal matter involving an exchange that was deemed disrespectful to a staff member after practice. That incident prompted head coach

Mike Tomlin to reinforce a long-standing pillar of Steelers culture: integrity comes before everything else.

Tomlin Delivers a Stern Message

The exchange reportedly happened late Tuesday evening when most of the team had left the building. Johnson, still at the facility, allegedly made a comment that was perceived as dismissive toward a support staff member completing end-of-day duties. Coach Tomlin, who happened to be nearby, intervened.

“Be here early tomorrow,” Tomlin told him, signaling they’d talk. The next morning, Tomlin addressed the entire team.

“Wearing this helmet means more than football,” Tomlin said in a team meeting. “It means respecting every person in this organization — from coaches to equipment staff. We win because everyone here matters. If you can’t respect that, you don’t belong here.”

Players described the room as silent. One veteran later said, “Coach wasn’t angry — he was disappointed. And that hits harder than anything.”

Shortly after, the Steelers confirmed that Johnson would be ruled out for

Week 15 against Miami, officially listed as NIR–personal. While Johnson was physically capable of playing — and had been serving as a key part of the passing game — the decision was about

accountability rather than availability.

Later that day, Johnson personally apologized to the staff member involved. According to those present, the apology was sincere and accepted with grace. Still, Tomlin elected not to reverse his decision.

“Football is what we do,” Tomlin said afterward. “Integrity is who we are.”

Steelers Roster Adjustments & Game Impact

For now, Johnson’s absence will force Pittsburgh to lean more heavily on its current receiving corps and offensive weapons as they prepare to host the

Miami Dolphins in Week 15 on Monday Night Football — a critical game with playoff implications.

Key offensive contributors who will need to step up include:

• DK Metcalf – Leading receiver with52 receptions for 753 yards and six touchdowns this season.
• Adam Thielen – Veteran wideout claimed off waivers to bolster the passing game.
• Calvin Austin III – Speedy slot threat on the outside.
• Pat Freiermuth – Tight end focal point in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
• Roman Wilson – Young receiver adding depth to the wideout group.

With the Steelers leading the AFC North

at 7–6 and fighting for positioning, the Dolphins game (scheduled Monday, Dec 15, 2025) is a must-win to maintain momentum.

Steelers Defense Also Navigating Change

Defensively, Pittsburgh faces challenges of its own. Star linebacker

T.J. Watt was recently ruled out for the Dolphins game after surgery for a lung issue, a blow to a unit that thrives on physical play.

Still, in the Steelers’ locker room, Tomlin’s message is clear:

talent earns opportunity, but character keeps it. Despite off-field discipline and lineup changes, the team is focused on proving that their culture — built on accountability and respect — is what truly defines Steeler football.

Saints Rookie Devin Neal Exits Vs. Panthers: What We Know Now

The New Orleans Saints’ running back room is certainly not at full strength right now.

Saints Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara hasn’t played in a game for New Orleans since Nov. 23 against the Atlanta Falcons. He has dealt with knee and ankle injuries. The Saints lost running back Kendre Miller earlier in the campaign for the season to a torn ACL. At the time, Miller was the No. 2 back behind Kamara. With Miller out and Kamara out, the Saints turned to rookie running back Devin Neal as the No. 1 guy over the last two weeks and into Sunday’s Week 15 contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Unfortunately, his day is done. Neal came out early due to a hamstring injury and was quickly ruled out by the team.

Before he left the contest, Saints was able to find the end zone for a Saints rushing touchdown in the second period. At the time of his exit, the former Kansas Jayhawks star running back had 28 rushing yards on seven carries, including his score — his second in his rookie season.

Neal’s injury takes away some of the excitement from his budding potential in the backfield. In Week 14’s 24-20 win over Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, Neal had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries while also recording 14 receiving yards on a lone target.

With star running back Alvin Kamara also out with knee and ankle issues and Neal sidelined, the Saints’ ground attack will be shared by the likes of Audric Estime, Evan Hull and Taysom Hill as well as quarterback Tylre Shough.

The Saints rookie exited

“Devin Neal is out for the remainder of today’s game,” the Saints announced.

Neal made his impact felt early before coming out. He racked up 28 rushing yards on seven carries and scored the second touchdown of his career.

New Orleans hasn’t announced the severity of the hamstring injury as of writing, but in the meantime, the Saints’ backfield will be led by Evan Hull and Audric Estime.

Before the injury, Neal was starting to find his footing in the Saints’ offense and looked like a spark plug out of the backfield. Hopefully, this is an ailment that just holds him out of Sunday’s contest and doesn’t extend beyond. As more information comes out, we will keep you updated here.

New was selected with the No. 184 pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Neal has looked like a steal. He earned a job with the Saints despite a crowded running back room throughout the summer. He waited his turn and looked good as the starter, including a 70-yard game last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to go along with the first touchdown of his career. Now, we wait to see what comes next.