Steelers Punter Cam Johnston Exits Game with Injury

ATLANTA — Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cam Johnston suffered a right leg injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge hit Johnston low and was in a great deal of pain, calling for the trainers and holdng his right leg. Miles Killebrew was called for holding on the play, so the Steelers had to punt again.

Kicker Chris Boswell, who was 6 of 6 on the day on field goal attempts, replaced Johnston at punter and punted a 43-yard line drive that resulted in no gain on Avery Williams’ return. Scotty Miller made a great special teams tackle on the play.

Johnston left on a cart and did not return. It looks like it could be a serious injury.

Two plays after Boswell’s punt, Kirk Cousins got picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson, which was returned for 49 yards. The Steelers managed to run some clock and Boswell nailed a field goal to extend the Steelers’ lead to 18-10.

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.

The Steelers signed Cameron 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.

If Johnston is out for a significant period, as it appears he will be, the Steelers will have to search for a replacement.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Atlanta.