The Pittsburgh Steelers received encouraging news about their veteran punter Cameron Johnston, who appears to be on the mend after a significant knee injury prematurely ended his 2023 season. Johnston, who suffered the injury during Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, has reportedly made strong progress in his recovery and is now fully participating in practice sessions.
“I’m feeling really good,” Johnston said optimistically. “Back out there practicing, punting fully. So yeah, feeling really good.” His upbeat remarks reflect the work he has put in to get back on the field and ready to contribute again.
Johnston was expected to solve the Steelers’ long-standing issues at the punter position after being acquired from the Houston Texans on a three-year deal. His performances during training camp and the preseason were promising, highlighted by a booming 60-yard punt in a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. At 33 years old, Johnston entered the 2023 campaign as the presumed starter and looked ready to solidify his role.
However, fate had other plans. Following his injury, the Steelers turned to Corliss Waitman, who admirably filled the role throughout the season. Waitman’s steady play means the team now finds itself with two viable punting options heading into the 2024 training camp, setting the stage for a competitive battle at the position.
Johnston admitted that the rehabilitation process was far from easy. He spent months undergoing intense therapy sessions, many of which involved punter-specific drills designed to regain strength, technique, and confidence in his leg. Still, he credits the Steelers’ medical and coaching staff for supporting him through the ordeal.
“The staff are incredible here and they helped out so much,” Johnston said. “We put a lot of work in throughout the rehab, and it feels really good.”
Johnston is determined to reclaim his spot and prove that he can still perform at a high level. The upcoming summer training camp in Latrobe will likely be the setting for a fierce competition between Johnston and Waitman, with the punting duties for the 2024 season on the line.
Although the outcome remains uncertain, Johnston’s return to full strength is a significant development for the Steelers. If he can replicate his preseason success and stay healthy, he has a strong chance of becoming a reliable special teams weapon for Pittsburgh once again.
