The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a setback in Week 1 of the NFL season as punter Cameron Johnston suffered a serious knee injury during the team’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons. With Johnston sidelined for the rest of the season, the Steelers wasted no time in finding a replacement. They turned to a familiar face in Corliss Waitman, a veteran punter who has had previous stints with the team.
Waitman’s History with the Steelers
Corliss Waitman, a 29-year-old punter, first signed with the Steelers in April of 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He spent the 2020 season on Pittsburgh’s practice squad before being re-signed by the team late in the 2021 season. Waitman made his regular-season debut for the Steelers in Week 16 of the 2021 season and had an impressive showing, including a 63-yard punt against the Chiefs.
Waitman’s journey in the NFL has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with stops in Las Vegas and New England before landing back in Pittsburgh. In 2022, as a member of the Denver Broncos, Waitman led the NFL with 96 punts and averaged 46.6 yards per punt. He even earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 3 for his performance against the 49ers.
After his time with the Patriots in 2023 and a recent stint with the Bears, Waitman finds himself back with the Steelers once again. His experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to the team, especially in light of Johnston’s injury.
Johnston’s Season-Ending Injury
Johnston, who was signed by the Steelers this offseason, unfortunately, saw his season come to an abrupt end due to the injury he sustained in Week 1. During a punt late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Falcons, Johnston’s leg was struck, leading to a serious knee injury.
As Johnston was being tended to by the medical staff, kicker Chris Boswell stepped in to handle punting duties, showcasing the team’s adaptability in the face of adversity. Boswell’s punt went 43 yards, helping the Steelers secure their victory.
Johnston’s signing with the Steelers this offseason came after the team released Pressley Harvin III, the previous punter for the team. Johnston, who led the NFL in punting yards back in 2021 as a member of the Texans, had a strong showing in the summer/preseason with Pittsburgh, averaging 51.5 yards on his two punts in the game against the Falcons.
Waitman’s Return to Pittsburgh
With Waitman back in the fold, the Steelers are looking to maintain their strong special teams play despite the loss of Johnston. Waitman’s experience and success in the league make him a reliable option for the team as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
The Steelers have shown confidence in Waitman’s abilities, given his previous stints with the team and his impressive performances with other organizations. As they look to continue their winning ways, having a seasoned punter like Waitman on the roster will be crucial to their success.
In the fast-paced and unpredictable world of the NFL, injuries are an unfortunate reality that teams must be prepared to face. The Steelers’ quick decision to bring back Waitman demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that they have the best possible personnel in place to overcome any obstacles that come their way.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Waitman as he steps into the spotlight and takes on the responsibilities of punting for the Steelers. His experience, skill, and determination will be put to the test as he looks to make a significant impact on the team’s success moving forward.