The harm to Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston on Sunday in Atlanta was referred to as a “critical” one by head coach Mike Tomlin after the 18-10 win. How critical remained to be seen.
On Monday, NFL Community Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Johnston’s knee harm is season-ending.
Rapoport tweeted the information moments in the past.
Based mostly on how issues seemed dwell following the harm, it’s not a shock that Johnston’s season is over. He had a defender fall into his leg, which was planted into the turf, and it induced his knee to buckle awkwardly, leaving the veteran punter in ache.
One way or the other, the Steelers had been additionally referred to as for holding on the play, too, resulting in the harm throughout what was a banner day for the officiating.
Previous to the harm, Johnston was averaging 51.5 yards per punt in opposition to the Falcons on two kicks, together with a 58-yard punt because the Steelers had been taking part in a recreation targeted on ball management and leaning on a star-studded protection.
The Steelers beforehand signed Johnston to a three-year, $9 million deal in free company to lastly handle the punter place after a number of years of poor play. However now, they’re again to the drafting board with Johnston out for the season.
Johnston suffered the harm within the fourth quarter with the Steelers up 15-10 with 3:29 remaining within the recreation. With Johnston injured, the Steelers referred to as on kicker Chris Boswell to punt late within the recreation, and the kicker responded with a 43-yard punt.
After the sport, Tomlin spoke glowingly of Johnston, who got here into the franchise and offered stability instantly at a place of want. However now, the Steelers must scramble to discover a substitute, which may result in a well-recognized face corresponding to Pressley Harvin III, Brad Wing, and even Corliss Waitman returning to the staff to fill the void.
Not solely will it’s key to fill the void at punter, however the Steelers should discover somebody who can work with kicker Chris Boswell because the holder, which may result in Harvin being the reply, contemplating the work he’s executed with Boswell up to now.
