Steelers duo Diontae Johnson and Minkah Fitzpatrick 'had a heated locker-room bust-up after their loss to the Browns... with teammates forced to separate the pair in Cleveland'

Philadelphia Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick got into a 'heated' argument in the locker room after last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns, according to reports.

ESPN claim Johnson and Fitzpatrick had to be separated by teammates after the 13-10 defeat by their AFC North division rival, with star defenders TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward intervening as tempers flared in Cleveland.

Watt and Hayward then delivered passionate messages to the team about sticking together while going through a turbulent season. Head coach Mike Tomlin also addressed the team once things had been calmed down.

Johnson was said to have been 'chirping' at coaches during the entire walk back to the locker room after the loss, where he then proceeded to begin arguing with Fitzpatrick. 

Those inside Pittsburgh's organization do not believe the incident will have a carryover effect into the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals - who recently put superstar quarterback Joe Burrow on injured reserve after sustaining a season ending wrist injury. 

The incident was said to have played a role in the Steelers' decision to fire now-former offensive coordinator Matt Canada two days later.

It was also the first time since 1941 that the Steelers made an in-season coaching change.

Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner was promoted to offensive coordinator while quarterbacks coach Kenny Pickett was given play-calling duties.

Johnson was also seen getting into animated conversation with Tomlin during the game.

The 27-year-old wide out finished the game with three receptions for 48 yards.

He currently sits second on the team in receiving with 26 catches for 335 yards and a touchdown this season. 

Fitzpatrick did not play in the loss to Cleveland due to a hamstring injury.