Cameron Johnston’s first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over after one game.
The former Ohio State punter suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Steelers’ season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple reports. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news.
#Steelers punter Cameron Johnston suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sundays win over the #Falcons, sources say. A blow to Pittsburgh special teams in more ways than one, as Johnston was also the holder for Chris Boswell. pic.twitter.com/0Xia01VAGQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2024
The injury occurred when Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge collided directly with Johnston’s right leg after a punt in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. The play did not result in a roughing the kicker penalty, however, because it was determined that Hodge was blocked into Johnston.
Johnston, who punted for the Buckeyes from 2013-16, signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Steelers this offseason after previously playing for the Houston Texans (2021-23) and Philadelphia Eagles (2017-20).
Outside of Johnston’s injury, the Steelers had a successful start to the season as they defeated the Falcons, 18-10. With Russell Wilson sidelined by a calf injury, former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields started his first game as a Steeler; he completed 17 of 23 passing attempts for 156 yards and ran for 57 yards on 14 attempts.
