PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson likely won’t return kickoffs in Week 3 after a mistake in the recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Mike Tomlin shared this news on Tuesday.
During the game, Johnson misjudged a kickoff from Jason Myers. He thought the play was dead, allowing the ball to bounce over his head and into the end zone. According to the NFL’s new kickoff rules, any ball that lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line and then goes into the end zone is considered live. This enabled Seahawks player George Holani to recover the ball for a touchdown.
Tomlin acknowledged Johnson’s talent but emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes. “He has to show that he’s ready to come back,” he said. “I believe in his ability to bounce back.” He hinted that Johnson will get a chance to prove himself, but recovery involves consistent effort and growth.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell is the other kickoff return option for the Steelers. Tomlin has not yet decided who will fill Johnson’s role. During the preseason, running back Trey Sermon, now in the practice squad, and second-year receiver Roman Wilson, who has some kickoff experience, were also considered.
After the game, Johnson expressed regret for his error. “I just made a mistake,” he said. “I’ve got to stick to it and continue improving.”
As for the team, injuries are also a concern. Defensive players Alex Highsmith and Isaiahh Loudermilk are out for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots due to ankle sprains. Loudermilk may miss several weeks. Other players, like Derrick Harmon and DeShon Elliott, are listed as questionable.
These injuries limit the team’s defensive strategies. Tomlin noted that Seattle took advantage of this, racking up 395 yards of offense during their game. “Our defense wore down as the game progressed,” he explained. “We had to adjust on the fly with a younger group, and it showed.”
As the Steelers look to recover, the focus will be on Johnson’s response and the overall team resilience. Learning from mistakes is crucial in the NFL, as each game is an opportunity to grow and adapt.
For the latest on NFL rules and team strategies, the [NFL’s official rules site](https://www.nfl.com/rulebook/) provides in-depth insights.
