During the Pittsburgh Steelers' 18-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, a disappointing moment unfolded. The Steelers' new punter Cam Johnston, who signed a three-year, $9 million deal this offseason, was preparing to pin the Falcons deep when a Falcons player collided with his knee.
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Steelers' Cam Johnston smiles while Mike Tomlin talks to fans about him.
The injury appeared serious, and after the game, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin suggested it could be significant. On Monday, Ian Rapoport confirmed that the injury would indeed be season-ending.
#Steelers punter Cameron Johnston suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sunday’s win over the #Falcons, sources say. A blow to Pittsburgh special teams in more ways than one, as Johnston was also the holder for Chris Boswell. pic.twitter.com/0Xia01VAGQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2024
Adding insult to injury, flags were thrown on the play. Steeler Nation expected the penalty to benefit Pittsburgh after their punter was hit, but the flag was actually called against the Steelers. It was a nightmare situation, forcing kicker Chris Boswell to step in and punt.
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Steelers' Cameron Johnston punting the football during a preseason game.
The Steelers believed they had finally solved their long-standing punting issues with the addition of Johnston, a player Tomlin was particularly excited about. Tomlin often boasted to fans about Johnston's abilities and what he could bring to the team. After the game, however, Tomlin had to express his deep disappointment, confirming that Johnston's injury was serious.
In Tomlin's eyes, Johnston was not only a great punter but also an outstanding teammate who carried himself like a true professional. There's no doubt that losing him is a significant blow for Pittsburgh, leaving the team once again facing uncertainty at the punting position.
Steelers Could Bring Back Pressley Harvin III
Now, the Steelers find themselves without a punter. They had released Pressley Harvin III after the 2023 season. Drafted for his booming punts, Harvin never quite lived up to expectations during his time in Pittsburgh. Though currently a free agent, he remains an option for the Steelers to bring back. While not an exciting choice, the possibility of Harvin returning is on the table.
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Steelers' Pressley Harvin III in a 2023 game.
The Steelers moved on from Harvin due to his inconsistency, which was a major concern, especially in the tough AFC North, where having a reliable punter is crucial. While Harvin occasionally showed off his powerful leg, he struggled to consistently win the field position battle and pin opponents deep.
Now, with the team in a desperate situation, the Steelers are likely to reach out to Harvin for a possible return. Another option could be Brad Wing, a punter who has been on their roster a couple of times before. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh chooses to handle this issue. Whether they bring back Harvin, Wing, or search for a new face, it’s a disappointing setback—but the Steelers are known for fighting through adversity.
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