Steelers Receive Positive Update on Christian Kuntz Ahead of Lions Matchup
The Pittsburgh Steelers breathed a collective sigh of relief as they prepared for their Week 16 clash against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Long snapper Christian Kuntz, who was added to the injury report on December 18 due to a knee issue, has been cleared for action. After being a limited participant in practice during the week, Kuntz carries no game designation as the Steelers aim to bolster their 8-6 record.
Contingency Plans in Place
In light of Kuntz’s initial injury scare, the Steelers acted swiftly by signing long snapper Cal Adomitis to their practice squad. Adomitis, a standout at the University of Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2021, earned first-team All-American honors as a senior while helping the Panthers claim their first-ever ACC championship. After a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played 49 games from 2022 to 2024, Adomitis was released during final roster cuts in August. Following a brief period with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he participated in nine games, he was cut again on December 9. Although Adomitis won’t suit up in Detroit, his addition provides a reliable backup if Kuntz’s availability were to change.
Kuntz’s Injury History
This isn’t the first time Kuntz has faced injury challenges this season. He suffered a chest injury during Pittsburgh’s second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while attempting a tackle. In response, the team signed two-time Pro Bowler Jake McQuaide, a seasoned veteran, but ultimately released him before the regular season when Kuntz proved he could return to full health. Kuntz was not listed on the injury report heading into Week 1 and has since been a consistent presence on the field.
A Look at Kuntz’s Journey
A native of western Pennsylvania, Kuntz played linebacker at Duquesne University, where he recorded 248 tackles, 71.5 of which were for a loss, along with 30.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and six interceptions over his 45-game college career. He began his professional journey as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2017 but only spent one day with the team before transitioning to long snapping. Following stints with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, Kuntz first joined the Steelers during the 2019 preseason but was released prior to the regular season. He rejoined the team in the offseason of 2020, was cut that August, but later returned to the practice squad in November. Since then, Kuntz has appeared in 82 games for the Steelers, solidifying his role as a key contributor.
As Pittsburgh gears up for their matchup against the Lions, Kuntz’s presence on the field will be pivotal for the team’s special teams, marking another chapter in his resilient career.
