Steelers Promote Trey Sermon as Kaleb Johnson Faces Redemption Challenge
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant roster adjustment on Saturday as they prepared for their Week 3 clash with the New England Patriots. In a decision that underscores the stakes in the team’s special teams performance, the Steelers have elevated running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad, leaving rookie Kaleb Johnson in a precarious position.
Johnson’s demotion comes on the heels of a costly error in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. During that game, he failed to pursue a loose ball on a kickoff, allowing the Seahawks to recover it in the end zone for a touchdown. This blunder not only cost the team points but also raised questions about his reliability in crucial situations.
Tomlin’s Assessment of Johnson’s Future
Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke candidly about Johnson’s current standing on the team. While he acknowledged the young player’s potential, he emphasized that Johnson must work diligently to redeem himself. “Probably not in the short term,” Tomlin remarked when asked about Johnson’s immediate return to kickoff duties. “I’m certainly going to give him an opportunity to work his way back from that error. 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 to give an opportunity to move on.”
Tomlin’s comments reflect a blend of optimism and necessity. Johnson, currently sidelined from both special teams and the run game, faces an uphill battle to earn back his role. As it stands, he may find himself a healthy scratch for the upcoming game against the Patriots.
Sermon’s Added Value
Sermon’s elevation to the active roster highlights his versatility and experience. Unlike Johnson, Sermon can contribute on both sides of special teams, providing the Steelers with a more reliable option in the wake of Johnson’s misstep. His ability to add depth and adapt to different roles makes him an appealing choice for the Steelers as they look to solidify their special teams unit.
While Johnson still has time to turn around his fortunes, he must first navigate his way out of Tomlin’s doghouse. The path to redemption will require consistent effort and performance during practice, as the competition for roster spots remains fierce.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers prepare for their matchup against the Patriots, all eyes will be on how the special teams perform. With Sermon stepping into a critical role, the team will look to avoid any further missteps that could impact their game strategy. Johnson, meanwhile, will need to regroup and demonstrate his commitment to reclaiming his spot on the team.
