Steelers And Unpopular Reunion Absolutely On The Table After Cameron Johnston Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business on Sunday as they took down the Atlanta Falcons on the road 18-10. While the team is stoked to be moving to 1-0, punter Cameron Johnston suffered a horrific leg injury, leaving the team in disbelief. Johnston was signed by the Steelers this offseason to replace Pressley Harvin III, who spent the previous three seasons with the team. Harvin's inconsistent punting led to his departure after 2023, but now is in a very likely scenario where he returns. 

After spending the last three years in Houston, Pittsburgh signed Johnston to a three-year deal worth $9 million. Johnston's resume speaks for itself, and is highly regarded around the league for his power and consistency. Harvin gave Steeler Nation some headaches, so when Johnston started booming punts away in the preseason, the fan base was relieved. 

After being cut on the first day of the 2024 season, Harvin eventually wound up with the San Fransisco 49ers. The 250 pound punter took every snap during the 49ers' preseason, averaging roughly 45 yards per punt. Harvin didn't make the final 53-man roster, now leaving him as a free agent. 

The current open market for punters is weak, and the Steelers' familiarity with Harvin seems like the most likely outcome. Even with the secured victory, Pittsburgh's offense didn't come away with a single touchdown. They're going to need to get into the end zone more to limit Harvin's exposure. Thanks to kicker Chris Boswell, the Steelers collected six field goals, three of which were over 50 yards. Boswell even came in as the emergency punter and executed his only kick after Johnston went down. 

Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave the media a quick update on Johnston's status after the win in Atlanta.

"From a health standpoint you know Cam Johnston appears to have a serious injury," Tomlin told reporters. "I'll have an update for you next time we come together. It's a shame for him. This guy has been spectacular man through team development. He's an absolute stud not only in his talents but his approach to business and so my heart goes out to him."

Keep an eye out for Pittsburgh's next move at punter before they're back on the road in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

Steelers Offense Looks Improved, Despite Not Scoring A Touchdown In Week 1

In his return to Atlanta, Steelers' new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith got to showcase his new playbook during his black and gold debut. Smith and the Steelers offense totaled 270 yards, which came with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback. As expected, Pittsburgh's rush attack led the way offensively. Jaylen Warren, who ran the ball twice, is coming off of a hamstring injury from the preseason. This led to a heavy workload for Najee Harris, who got 20 carries for 70 yards. 

Fields completed 17/23 passes for 156 yards, while running for an additional 57 yards on the ground. He may have not done enough to completely sell Tomlin as the starter moving forward, but definitely made things complicated. Here's what Fields had to say after leading the Steelers to a win in his debut. 

Even though the offense didn't reach the end zone, it still looks much improved compared to the last few seasons. The Steelers have another manageable game in Week 2 against Denver, which will be a good opportunity to start scoring some touchdowns. 

\The starting quarterback for next week is still undecided according to Tomlin. What are your takeaways from Steelers and Falcons? How would you feel about a reunion between Harvin and the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below.

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