Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson Unlikely to Handle Kick Returns Anytime Soon After Rookie’s Week 2 Error

Special teams don’t often decide the headlines, but when they do, it usually means something went wrong. That was the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, when rookie running back Kaleb Johnson mishandled a key kick return, swinging momentum and forcing the coaching staff to reassess his role.

In the aftermath, Steelers coaches signaled that Johnson is “probably not” going to line up as a returner in the immediate future. While they stopped short of ruling him out entirely, the message was clear: Pittsburgh cannot afford repeated mistakes in a phase of the game where precision and reliability matter most.

The Mishap That Changed the Game

It happened late in the second quarter with the Steelers trailing by a field goal. Johnson, eager to make a statement, fielded a kick near the end zone but hesitated on his first step. In trying to reverse direction, he lost control of the ball. Though he quickly recovered, the play left Pittsburgh pinned deep in its own territory.

The opposing team capitalized, stacking the line and forcing a three-and-out. On the ensuing drive, they added a touchdown, stretching the lead and putting Pittsburgh on its heels.

Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t mince words afterward. “Ball security is non-negotiable,” he said. “We love Kaleb’s energy and what he brings to the offense, but when it comes to special teams, we need consistency.”

Johnson’s Dual Role

Johnson entered the season as an intriguing rookie prospect. Drafted for his power running style and ability to catch out of the backfield, he quickly earned a spot in the Steelers’ rotation. Coaches also tested him on special teams, hoping his athleticism could translate into a spark in the return game.

Week 1 showed promise, with Johnson posting respectable return yardage. But Week 2’s slip has altered that experiment, at least for now. Special teams coordinator Danny Smith noted that while Johnson has the tools, return duty is about more than raw ability. “You have to make quick decisions under pressure,” Smith explained. “It’s not just about speed or power—it’s about instincts and security.”

Alternatives in the Return Game

With Johnson likely stepping back, Pittsburgh has options. Veteran wideout Calvin Austin III, who has experience as a returner in college, could step in. Cornerback Anthony McFarland Jr., known for his burst, is another candidate. Coaches have also hinted at using multiple players situationally rather than relying on a single primary returner.

The decision will depend on practice performance this week, but one thing is certain: the Steelers want to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on a rookie who is still adjusting to the pro level. “We don’t want this to shake his confidence,” Tomlin said. “Kaleb has a bright future with us. This is just about putting him in the best position to succeed.”

The Rookie’s Response

To his credit, Johnson owned the mistake. Speaking with reporters after practice, he admitted the moment got the better of him. “I was trying to make a play, but I should have focused on securing the ball first,” he said. “That’s on me.”

He also expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates. “The guys told me to keep my head up. It’s part of learning. I know I have to be better, and I will be.”

Veteran running back Najee Harris echoed that sentiment. “We’ve all been there,” Harris said. “It’s about how you bounce back. Kaleb’s got the talent, and he’s got the mindset. One play doesn’t define him.”

The Bigger Picture

For Pittsburgh, the incident underscores the importance of special teams discipline in a season where every margin counts. In a division as competitive as the AFC North, one misstep can tilt a game—and potentially the playoff picture.

Analysts have noted that while the Steelers’ defense remains stout and the offense continues to develop under quarterback Kenny Pickett, special teams miscues could become costly if not corrected. “Pittsburgh has to tighten up in all three phases,” one commentator observed. “They can’t afford to give away field position or momentum, especially against divisional rivals.”

A Lesson in Growing Pains

Johnson’s miscue is not unusual for a rookie adjusting to NFL speed. Many young players struggle with the transition, where the margin for error is razor-thin compared to college. The difference lies in how quickly they adapt.

Former Steelers returner Antonio Brown, in an interview years ago, once described the role as “the loneliest job in football.” Every decision is magnified, every mistake glaring. For Johnson, this moment may serve as a turning point—a lesson that accelerates his growth.

Looking Ahead

The Steelers face the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, a game where field position could play a crucial role. Coaches are expected to announce the return assignments by Friday, but Johnson’s absence from that unit seems almost certain.

Still, his offensive role remains intact. Johnson’s bruising style has made him a useful complement to Harris, particularly in short-yardage situations. The coaching staff emphasized that his contributions to the backfield are valued, even if his special teams duties are scaled back.

“We’re not losing faith in him,” Tomlin reiterated. “We’re just adjusting responsibilities. He’s still going to be a big part of what we do.”

Conclusion: A Temporary Step Back

Kaleb Johnson’s Week 2 mishap was costly, but it does not spell disaster for his career. The Steelers recognize his potential and are handling the situation with balance—protecting the team from further risk while shielding the rookie from being overwhelmed.

In the NFL, mistakes are inevitable. What matters is how players respond. For Johnson, this setback may become a stepping stone, a reminder that talent must be matched with focus and composure. If his attitude in practice is any indication, he is determined to turn the page.

For now, fans should not expect to see him fielding kicks in the short term. But as the season unfolds, Johnson will have other chances to prove himself—and perhaps, down the line, another opportunity to show he can be trusted on special teams.