Kaleb Johnson remains sidelined after his Week 2 kickoff error, with Trey Sermon promoted from the practice squad for another game.
The fallout from a single high-profile miscue can be swift in the NFL, and Kaleb Johnson has felt that impact firsthand after his muffed kickoff in Week 2. The mistake cost the Pittsburgh Steelers field position and, more crucially for Johnson, trust from the coaching staff.
Head coach Mike Tomlin moved quickly to adjust special-teams responsibilities. Johnson was stripped of kickoff return duties heading into Week 3. The team did dress him for the game, yet he did not take the field. That decision sent a clear message about accountability in a locker room that prizes reliability.
Tomlin was blunt in his assessment last week, stressing that mistakes sometimes require a player to take a step back. He also praised Johnson’s approach to practice and preparation. Still, Tomlin made it plain that Johnson would not resume return duties immediately, and that stance has not shifted.
On Saturday the Steelers elevated running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad. Sermon had filled in for Johnson in the previous week, though he did not ultimately handle any kickoff returns during that game. The elevation signals the coaching staff’s intent to keep options available while Johnson rebuilds confidence.
Kenneth Gainwell handled Pittsburgh’s lone kickoff return during the 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots. That tidy play-calling and lineup choice helped the Steelers grind out a needed win, while also showing how the club prefers to protect field position in close contests.
From a roster-management perspective, the move makes sense. Dressing a fourth running back with no clear role would be an inefficient use of a gameday spot. The team opted instead to carry the players who can contribute on offense and special teams right away.
For Johnson, the path back is simple in theory but difficult in practice: earn back the coaches’ trust through consistent work and mistake-free reps. He has kept showing up at practice and working hard. Now he must translate that effort to reliable, in-game performances when given the chance.
Trey Sermon’s promotion offers the Steelers depth and a short-term solution. Sermon gives the staff fresh options for kick returns and backfield rotations, and his presence forces Johnson to sharpen his focus. Competition, when handled correctly, benefits the whole unit.
Ultimately, this episode underscores the fine line special teams players walk. One error can shift roles, affect momentum and change the rhythm of a locker room. The Steelers have chosen a conservative approach while they balance trust, performance and roster efficiency.
Johnson’s immediate future may be limited to practice reps and special teams work outside of kickoff returns. But NFL narratives turn quickly. A clean week of work, a reliable preseason snap or a chance on a fumble recovery could reset perceptions. For now, the Steelers are keeping their options open and demanding accountability.
Expect the club to monitor Johnson closely, and expect Sermon to remain available as long as the team needs flexibility in the backfield. This is a small chapter in a long season, but one that highlights how quickly a player can move from role player to reserve and back again—depending entirely on execution.