Steelers likely to adjust after special teams gaffe

Kaleb Johnson likely to lose kickoff duties after costly misplay; bettors may avoid Steelers special-teams props and consider favoring New England on the spread as Pittsburgh’s injuries and special-teams uncertainty raise upset and coverage risk in Week 3.

Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Likely Removed from Kickoff Role After Costly Gaffe

What happened on the Seahawks kickoff

Rookie Kaleb Johnson allowed a Jason Myers kickoff to bounce over his head into the end zone late in the fourth quarter, thinking the play would be dead. Under the NFL’s kickoff rules, a ball that lands between the goal line and the 20 and then goes into the end zone remains live unless downed or returned. Seahawks backup George Holani recovered in the end zone for a touchdown.

Coaching response and Johnson’s reaction

Head coach Mike Tomlin indicated Johnson “probably” will not return kickoffs in Week 3, though he said the team will give the player an opportunity to earn the role back through his daily work. Johnson expressed remorse after the game, calling it a mistake and saying he’ll keep working to improve.

Special teams depth and possible replacements

Who could take over kickoff duties

Running back Kenneth Gainwell is the current secondary return man. The team used Trey Sermon in the preseason (now on the practice squad) and second-year receiver Roman Wilson has some collegiate kickoff experience. Tomlin has not finalized a replacement.

Injury report: key defensive absences and impact

Players ruled out or questionable

Edge rusher Alex Highsmith and defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk are ruled out for Sunday’s game with ankle sprains; Loudermilk is expected to miss multiple weeks. Derrick Harmon (MCL sprain), DeShon Elliott (knee) and Joey Porter Jr. are listed as “questionable, at best.” Inside linebacker Patrick Queen (oblique) and cornerback Darius Slay were banged up but are considered possibly available.

How injuries affected Sunday’s game

Tomlin said schematic options were limited by personnel losses, and the defense wore down late, allowing 395 yards of offense. Thin depth on the lines and midstream adjustment issues contributed to Seattle’s late offensive success.

Implications for Week 3 and betting considerations

On-field and betting takeaways

Special-teams uncertainty and multiple defensive injuries increase short-term risk for Pittsburgh. For bettors, that could mean avoiding Steelers kickoff-return props and factoring special-teams volatility into game-line decisions. The depleted defensive depth also lends weight to backing the opponent to cover the spread or targeting game totals if you expect more offensive plays and fewer defensive stops.

Looking ahead

What to watch this week

Coaches will monitor Johnson’s daily work and practice reps to determine a return-man plan. Watch injury reports through the week for clarity on Highsmith, Loudermilk, Harmon, Elliott and Porter Jr., as their statuses will shape both schematic options and betting markets heading into Sunday’s matchup.

Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson "probably" will not be returning kickoffs in Week 3 after his special teams gaffe in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks.

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