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Steelers Bench Rookie Kaleb Johnson From Kickoffs After Seahawks Disaster

Mike Tomlin: Steelers head coach walks out of postgame news conference  after contract question following playoff loss | CNN

Pittsburgh, PA – September 16, 2025

The fallout from Sunday’s 17–31 loss to the Seattle Seahawks continues to ripple through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that rookie running back Kaleb Johnson “probably” will not be returning kickoffs in Week 3 following his special teams blunder that gifted Seattle a touchdown.

The play in question came in the second quarter, when Johnson muffed a kickoff deep inside Pittsburgh’s territory. The ball slipped into the end zone, where Seahawks running back George Holani (#36) pounced for a stunning touchdown. The miscue flipped momentum immediately and left Acrisure Stadium in shock.

Tomlin did not hide his frustration in his weekly press conference.

“At this level, mistakes on special teams are magnified. We can’t afford to hand our opponents points. Kaleb’s got talent, but right now, he needs to get back to fundamentals before we trust him in that role again,” Tomlin said.

Johnson, drafted in the third round earlier this year, was expected to add depth to the running back room and contribute on special teams. Instead, his early struggles have put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Sources within the team say Pittsburgh is now preparing to rotate in other returners — potentially Calvin Austin III or Anthony McFarland Jr. — to stabilize kickoff duties.

For Johnson, the setback is harsh but not uncommon for a rookie. For Tomlin and the Steelers, however, the margin for error is razor-thin after an 0–2 start in the brutal AFC North. Week 3 may mark a turning point — not just for the team, but for a rookie still searching for his footing under the brightest lights.

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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.