Steelers' Mike Tomlin says Kaleb Johnson won't be returning kickoffs in 'short term' after Week 2 error

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2025-09-16

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Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has been demoted from kickoff return duties following Sunday’s crucial mistake against the Seahawks, but he will have a later opportunity to regain the role.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that Johnson probably won’t be returning kickoffs in the “short term.”

“I’m certainly going to give him an opportunity to work back from that error,” Tomlin said. “I believe in his talent. He’s a sharp young man. He’s a hard worker.

“So, you leave the light on for him and give him an opportunity to move on from it, but he has to do that. He has to display that with his daily work and he’s got to earn himself back in a position to be a participant. We’ll see were the roads lead us. I’m open to it, certainly.”

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It was a bizarre situation for Johnson and the Steelers in the Week 2 loss to Seattle.

Pittsburgh was set to receive possession after the Seahawks kicked a field goal to earn a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter. As Jason Myers bounced the ensuing kickoff into the landing zone and toward Johnson, the Steelers’ third-round pick couldn’t corral the bouncing ball, allowing it to hit his hands and bounce into the end zone.

Johnson proceeded to act is if the play was over as the ball settled into the end zone, but him downing it for a touchback was required at that point. Seahawks special teamer George Holani recognized that the play wasn’t over and dove onto the ball for a rare touchdown, leading to Seattle’s 10-point lead.

The Steelers never recovered after Johnson’s mistake, leading to their first loss of the season.

Tomlin didn’t declare who would be taking over Johnson’s duties in special teams, but Kenneth Gainwell returned the following kickoff Pittsburgh received in the game.

“You got to man up,” Tomlin said of Johnson’s mistake. “You got to acknowledge your short comings and then you got to work to move beyond it, and it’s my job as a leader to provide that opportunity.”