Kaleb Johnson’s Mistake Costs Him Kick-Return Role with Steelers
Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is finding out the hard way that mistakes can have significant repercussions in the NFL. His costly error during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 2 clash against the Seattle Seahawks has led to his removal from the kick-return role, a position he was still adjusting to in the early stages of the season.
The Game-Changing Error
In the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s 31-17 defeat, Johnson misjudged a kickoff. Instead of securing the ball, he missed it entirely, allowing it to bounce into the end zone. The unfortunate twist? Under the new kickoff rules, the ball remained live, enabling the Seahawks to recover it for a touchdown. Head coach Mike Tomlin labeled the incident “poor judgment by a young player,” highlighting the learning curve that rookies often face in the league.
Short-Term Consequences
In the aftermath of the game, speculation arose regarding Johnson’s future with the team. On Tuesday, Tomlin confirmed that Johnson would indeed be stepping back from kick-return duties, at least temporarily. However, the head coach emphasized that there remains a pathway for Johnson to reclaim his role. “Probably not in the short term,” Tomlin stated regarding Johnson’s return to kicks. “I believe in his talent, he’s a sharp young man, he’s a hard worker, and so you leave the light on for him and give him an opportunity to move on from it.” Tomlin’s remarks suggest that while there is a chance for redemption, it will require consistent effort from the rookie.
Depth Chart Implications
Despite this setback, the Steelers’ latest depth chart still lists Johnson as one of the two kick returners alongside running back Kenneth Gainwell. It appears that the Steelers will need to make adjustments moving forward, as Johnson’s performance has not lived up to expectations. As a third-round pick, he has struggled to make an impact, recording just two carries and four offensive snaps this season, while participating in only 11 special teams plays.
Understanding the Situation
The nature of Johnson’s misstep raises questions about his understanding of the game’s rules and situational awareness. When pressed about his thought process during the kickoff, Johnson refrained from providing a clear response. However, Tomlin was more definitive, asserting that such scenarios are routinely practiced. “Every day of our lives,” he said regarding the team’s preparation for kick-return situations.
Future Outlook for Johnson
Given his limited experience—he logged only 15 returns during his college career—and his profile as a power runner, Johnson’s suitability for the kick-return role has been under scrutiny. With his position now in jeopardy, the Steelers are on the lookout for a new return specialist. Johnson must now focus on finding alternative ways to contribute to the team, even as the path forward seems uncertain.
As Pittsburgh navigates the remainder of the season, the hope is that Johnson will learn from this experience and emerge stronger, ready to seize future opportunities to prove his worth.
