Mike Tomlin Provides Injury Update on Steelers P Cam Johnston
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed at the NFL owner’s meetings on Sunday that he expects punter Cam Johnston to be ready to go for training camp.
In February, Johnston posted a video of himself running after suffering a gruesome injury in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. It appears that Johnston is on the right track to a full recovery. Leg injuries can sometimes be career-ending for punters and place kickers. Johnston punted very well in the preseason and was off to a good start in Atlanta–punting twice for 103 yards.
The injury was particularly highlighted by Tomlin in the postgame press conference as he stated, “It’s a shame for him. This guy has been spectacular through team development. He’s an absolute stud not only in his talents but his approach to business. My heart goes out to him.”
The Steelers signed Johnston to a three-year contract this offseason after he spent three seasons in Philadelphia and then three seasons in Houston. So far, Johnston has been an instant success.
While signing autographs next to Johnston at the Friday Night Lights practice, Mike Tomlin told fans, “Hey, you guys see our new stud punter we got over here. How about five right there?”
Johnston had a banner performance in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Johnston had two 60+ yard punts, a long of 65. Overall, Johnston averaged 56.8 yards per punt.
The Steelers have been in search of a top-flight punter for the last several years. They thought Pressley Harvin III was the answer, but the former Ray Guy Award winner could never put it together.
Johnston certainly gives the Steelers stability at the punter position. The Aussie was booming the ball before his devastating injury.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Palm Beach, Fla.