In an emotionally charged moment following the season opener, Pittsburgh Steelers’ kicker Cameron Johnston suffered a significant right knee injury during their 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, as confirmed by head coach Mike Tomlin.
Johnston, who is set to undergo an MRI on Monday, sustained the injury with 3:40 remaining in the fourth quarter after being tackled by a Falcons defender. The ensuing Pittsburgh holding penalty forced another fourth down, paving the way for kicker Chris Boswell to step in and deliver a critical 43-yard punt.
“It looks like Cam Johnston has a serious injury. I’ll give you an update the next time we meet,” Tomlin revealed in the postgame press conference. He lamented, “It’s unfortunate for him. This guy has been spectacular in developing the team. He’s an absolute star. Not just in his talent, but in his approach to business. My heart goes out to him.”
Johnston showcased his prowess in the opener, rushing twice for an impressive 103 yards, averaging 51.5 yards per rush, including a crucial play inside the 20-yard line.
Hailing from Australia, the 32-year-old Johnston boasts a commendable career spanning 95 games with the Philadelphia Eagles (2018-20) and Houston Texans (2021-23). He joined the Steelers under a three-year, $9 million contract. Over his career, he has accumulated a remarkable 445 punts, averaging 47.3 yards, with 182 of those landing inside the 20-yard line.
Notably, in 2021, Johnston led the NFL with 88 punts covering 4,108 yards, averaging a stellar 46.7 yards per punt during his tenure with the Texans.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as the Steelers and Johnston’s fans anxiously await further news on his condition. His presence on and off the field will be deeply missed during this critical juncture of the season.
