Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 9, 2024 10:48 am GMT
Steelers’ Punter Cameron Johnston Out for Season Following Knee Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ special teams face a significant setback as punter Cameron Johnston has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. This news was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, confirming the worst fears expressed by head coach Mike Tomlin shortly after the game.
Details of the Injury
Cameron Johnston, who joined the Steelers on a three-year contract in March, took a hard hit to his knee in the fourth quarter of the game, ultimately leading to his season-ending injury. The punter’s absence will not only impact punting duties but also affect the team’s kickoff and field-goal holding responsibilities, positions he has held for kicker Chris Boswell.
Impact on the Steelers’ Special Teams
The loss of Johnston is a blow to the Steelers’ special teams, which have experienced instability since the release of former punter Jordan Berry in 2020. With Johnston out, Pittsburgh will need to make swift adjustments to fill this critical role moving forward.
Potential Replacements
Despite the loss of Johnston, the Steelers have options available, although none offer the same level of reliability. The team recently worked out several players to fill the punter vacancy. Among those, former Steeler and Bronco Corliss Waitman emerged as the preferred choice after an extensive tryout that included five other punters.
- Jack Browning
- Trenton Gill
- Matt Haack
- Austin McNamara
- Corliss Waitman
- Porter Wilson
Waitman’s selection is notable as he is stepping into a role left by a well-regarded punter in Johnston. While Matt Haack was the most experienced among the candidates, with nearly 100 career NFL games, Waitman’s familiarity with the Steelers’ system may have contributed to the decision.
Long Snappers Considered
In addition to punting prospects, the Steelers evaluated two long snappers, Tucker Addington and Rex Sunahara, as part of their comprehensive assessment of special teams. Addington has six career games under his belt since joining the NFL in 2022, while Sunahara has not yet appeared in a regular season game but has had two prior stints with the Steelers.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers will debut Corliss Waitman in their upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos on September 15. As the team adapts to the loss of Johnston, it will be crucial to monitor how Waitman integrates into the Steelers’ strategy and manages the pressure of the position.
Johnston’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability in the NFL, where roster changes can happen in an instant and player health is paramount. As the Steelers gear up for the rest of the season, their preparation and performance in special teams will be key areas to watch.
This season, the Steelers have had an exciting journey. You can find updates and interesting details about their games and players to learn more about how they are doing.
