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HC Mike Tomlin Hands Down Harsh Punishment After Steelers Rookie Blunders on New NFL Kickoff Return Rules

Steelers' Rookie Kaleb Johnson has not been involved on the offensive side  of the ball. He has made 2 big mistakes in limited opportunities, and has  not made a good impression. He

Pittsburgh, PA – September 15, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 2 already under heavy scrutiny, and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson just added fuel to the fire. In Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Johnson muffed a kickoff in the end zone — a blunder that directly handed George Holani (#36) a touchdown. The mistake didn’t just cost points on the field. It exposed something far worse: Johnson didn’t fully understand the NFL’s new kickoff return rules.

According to team insiders, head coach Mike Tomlin was furious when reviewing film. With the NFL experimenting with revamped kickoff regulations designed to reduce injuries and promote live returns, players were briefed repeatedly during camp. Yet Johnson misplayed the ball, apparently unaware of his options under the revised rules.

Tomlin didn’t mince words behind closed doors. “In this league, ignorance of the rules is inexcusable. We coach it, we drill it, we demand it. You either know your job or you cost us games — and that’s unacceptable.”

As punishment, sources confirm Johnson has been demoted off special teams duties indefinitely. He will also face additional classroom sessions on game management and is required to work closely with special teams coaches throughout the week. Teammates say the rookie looked visibly shaken after being singled out, but Tomlin’s stance was clear: accountability comes first.

Steelers veterans privately backed the decision, noting that the margin for error in the AFC North is razor-thin. “You can’t give away free touchdowns,” one veteran said. “Not in this division, not ever.”

For a fan base still reeling from the 17–31 loss to Seattle, Tomlin’s harsh response signals a zero-tolerance approach. The Steelers must now regroup quickly — and for Kaleb Johnson, the message is unmistakable: learn the rules, or don’t expect to see the field again.

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Patrick Queen Confirms Star WR Eagles Rejected Ravens to Work Out with Steelers - Awaiting Medical Check
Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2025 NFL trade deadline heats up with the November 4 cutoff approaching, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has publicly confirmed that wide receiver DeVonta Smith – the struggling star from the Philadelphia Eagles – turned down an invitation from the Baltimore Ravens to instead participate in a workout with the Steelers. This revelation came from Queen in a recent interview, sparking speculation about a potential trade deal, contingent on Smith passing an upcoming medical examination. This is the latest development in the rumors surrounding the Steelers' efforts to upgrade their wide receiver position after trading Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Source: https://x.com/CarneyMedia/status/1974569559236727034 According to Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before signing a 3-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers in 2024, Smith received an offer from Baltimore but chose to decline in favor of the opportunity in Pittsburgh. "I know DeVonta said no to the Ravens because he sees the Steelers as a better fit for his development," Queen shared on his personal podcast, emphasizing the connections between Smith and the Steelers' coaching staff. Queen, who has expressed disappointment over the Ravens not offering him a new contract, suggested that Smith's decision reflects "dissatisfaction with how the Ravens handle young players." This adds extra drama as Queen is set to face his former team in the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. DeVonta Smith, who is experiencing the slowest start of his career with just 18 receptions and 289 yards through the first four games of the 2025 season, is facing frustration at the Eagles due to his limited role in the red zone under coordinator Kellen Moore. Along with A.J. Brown, the Eagles' expensive WR duo (each over $50 million) is rumored to be on the trade block to alleviate salary cap burdens, with Smith seen as the more feasible candidate thanks to his speed and route-running skills that would complement DK Metcaf in Pittsburgh. Sources from NFL executives indicate the Eagles rejected offseason offers for Smith, but the recent loss to the Denver Broncos (where Brown and Smith combined for only 6 yards in the first half) has ramped up the pressure. The Steelers, boasting a 3-1 start to the season under GM Omar Khan – renowned for big deals like acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick – are "heavily monitoring" the situation in Philadelphia, according to a report from Carney Media on X. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Smith in Tennessee, while assistant GM Andy Weidl was involved in drafting him at the Eagles, creating a natural connection. However, everything hinges on the results of Smith's medical check, scheduled for this week, to ensure he has no issues from recent injuries. The Eagles have not officially commented on the rumors but have affirmed there are no plans to trade Smith before the deadline. Meanwhile, Queen wrapped up his interview with encouragement: "If DeVonta comes here, he'll be the perfect piece for our offense." With the Eagles currently on their bye week, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this workout leads to a contract, potentially shifting the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will face their next opponent while awaiting updates from the medical check.