Kaleb Johnson Loses Job As Kick Returner

September 17, 2025 4:24 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kaleb Johnson’s mistake in Pittsburgh’s loss to Seattle has cost him his role as kick returner. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says Johnson is off special teams in the “short term” following a pivotal miscue against the Seahawks when Johnson failed to chase after a live ball, leading directly to a Seattle touchdown. Tomlin believes in Johnson’s talent and plans to give him a chance to recover from the error. Johnson, a third-round pick, was averaging 23.9 yards per return before the incident. Pittsburgh faces challenges with injuries in their defense as they prepare to play New England next week.