Sophia
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers have temporarily removed rookie Kaleb Johnson from kick-returning duties following a critical mental lapse in Sunday’s 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the decision on Tuesday, emphasizing that while Johnson’s talent is recognized, accountability for such a significant error is paramount.
The Blunder That Shifted Momentum
The pivotal moment occurred early in the fourth quarter when a Seahawks kickoff bounced over Johnson’s head. Instead of pursuing the live ball, the third-round draft pick hesitated, allowing Seattle’s George Holani to recover it in the end zone for a gift touchdown. This play not only stunned the Steelers but also decisively swung the momentum, propelling the Seahawks to victory and abruptly halting Pittsburgh’s early-season optimism.
“I’m certainly going to give him an opportunity to work his way back from that error,” Tomlin stated, offering a glimmer of hope for the young player’s future. “I believe in his talent. He’s a sharp young man. He is a hard worker. So you leave the light on for him. You give him an opportunity to move on from it, but he has to do that.”
Johnson’s Journey to Pittsburgh
Johnson, selected 83rd overall in the draft, was primarily a starting running back at Iowa, where he briefly returned kicks. The Steelers were drawn to his impressive size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and his knack for generating “NFL-quality runs” against tough defenses. While he has yet to break into the crowded running back rotation alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell, Pittsburgh had high hopes for his vision and impact on special teams.
Prior to the gaffe, Johnson was averaging a respectable 23.9 yards per return. The recovered kickoff in the end zone for a score is a rare occurrence, believed to be the first in 45 years, underscoring the severity of the mistake.
“You’ve got to man up,” Tomlin asserted, emphasizing the need for personal accountability. “You’ve got to acknowledge your shortcomings, and then you’ve got to work to move beyond it. And it’s my job as a leader to provide that opportunity.”
Who Steps Up? Special Teams in Flux
Tomlin did not immediately name Johnson’s replacement, though Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell lined up deep on the ensuing kickoff after the Seattle score. While Warren has returned kicks earlier in his career, his increased workload as the starting running back makes him an unlikely long-term solution for special teams duties.
Injury Woes Mount for Steelers Defense
The Steelers (1-1) now look to regroup as they head on the road to face the New England Patriots (1-1) next week. Compounding their special teams concerns, the defense has been significantly impacted by injuries. Rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is expected to miss his third consecutive game with a sprained knee, while safety DeShon Elliott will likely sit out a second straight contest due to his own knee issue. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is also sidelined with an ankle injury.
There’s a potential silver lining with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) possibly returning after missing the Seahawks game. Key veterans Darius Slay (shoulder) and linebacker Patrick Queen (oblique) are expected to play, providing some much-needed stability.
These mounting injuries to a historically strong defensive unit have contributed to the team’s struggles. Pittsburgh currently ranks 29th in both yards allowed and points allowed, managing only three sacks through two games.
“We’ve got to be better,” Tomlin acknowledged, taking responsibility. “We got to strategize better. We’ve got a play better. We got to divide the labor up a little better. Some of that’s been challenging with some of the attrition, but that’s what we’re paid to do and I’m excited about addressing it this week.”
The Steelers face a critical juncture in their season as they navigate injuries and seek to rebound from a costly special teams error. The coming weeks will reveal how the team adapts and if Kaleb Johnson can earn his way back onto the field. For more details on NFL news, visit AP NFL.
