by When words like “rookie mistake” get thrown around in the NFL, they often come with big consequences. For Kaleb Johnson, a rookie running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a singular misjudgment during a comeback attempt in Week 2 changed his special teams role — at least for the short term. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Johnson “probably won’t be returning kickoffs in the short term” after the costly error.
In this post, we’ll break down what happened, what Coach Tomlin said, the rules involved, how Johnson is responding, and what this could mean for the rest of his rookie season. We’ll also examine what “short term” might mean, who might fill in, and what Johnson needs to do to get back into the kickoff return role. Throughout, we’ll use our focus keyword Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs to tie it all together.
What Happened in Week 2
The sequence of events unfolded in the Steelers’ Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. After Seattle kicked a field goal to take a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter, Jason Myers delivered the ensuing kickoff. The ball bounced into the landing zone and then toward Kaleb Johnson. Johnson let it bounce, apparently under the assumption that it would result in a touchback. However, under the current NFL rules, if the ball lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line, and then bounces into the end zone without being downed, it remains a live ball.
Johnson misread the situation: he didn’t secure the bouncing ball, it slipped through, and it ended up in the end zone. Meanwhile, Seattle’s George Holani hustled in, recognized that the ball was still live, and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. The miscue turned into a 10-point swing for the Seahawks.
Mike Tomlin’s Reaction: Decision on Kickoff Role
After the game, Mike Tomlin made it clear that the error was serious, and that Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs duty would be impacted. In his postgame press conference, Tomlin said:
“We’re not going to use him (Kaleb Johnson) returning kickoffs in the short term.”
“He has to display that with his daily work … he has to earn himself back into a position to be a participant.”
Tomlin emphasized he believes in Johnson’s talent, calling him “sharp,” a “hard worker,” and someone who deserves an opportunity to bounce back — but not immediately in the returner role. He left open the possibility Johnson will regain the kickoff assignment, but only after proving he understands and executes with consistency.
The Rules & the Mistake Explained
To understand why the play turned disastrous, it’s worth looking at how NFL kickoff rules have evolved and how that’s relevant to what happened.
- Rule change: Under the current NFL rulebook, if a kickoff lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line and then bounces into the end zone without being downed by the receiving team, it’s a live ball. That means the returning team must either secure and down the ball, or someone on the receiving team has to be aware that the ball is not automatically dead.
- Johnson’s misinterpretation: Johnson seemed to assume the moment the ball went into the end zone after bouncing, it was a touchback. That assumption proved wrong; the ball remained live until someone on his team downed it or the opposing team recovered it. The Seahawks were alert, and George Holani took full advantage.
This misinterpretation underlines why Tomlin’s statement about Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs is so important: awareness, fundamentals, and adherence to rules matter as much as physical ability.
What “Short Term” Likely Means
When Tomlin says Johnson won’t be returning kickoffs in the short term, what is the timeframe?
- Week-3: Immediate next game, likely Johnson will sit out kickoff returns. Kenneth Gainwell has already been used in the role after the error.
- Until consistency improves: Tomlin explicitly stated that Johnson will need to “earn back” the role through daily work, showing attention to detail and consistency. That could stretch over multiple practices or games depending on how Johnson responds.
- Training & film sessions: Likely Johnson will get extra attention on kickoff drills, rule situational practice, film study, and special teams coaching. Tomlin’s remark about “displaying daily work” suggests more than just waiting on the bench.
So “short term” might mean one game, maybe a few, but no guarantee beyond that unless Johnson demonstrates corrective behavior and mental sharpness. Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs status depends heavily on how Johnson handles this setback.
Who’s Likely to Replace Johnson, and What It Means
With Johnson out of the role for now, who steps up?
- Kenneth Gainwell: He was the one who returned the kickoff immediately after Johnson’s mistake in the Seahawks game. He’s probably first in line to continue while the team assesses Johnson’s progress.
- Other candidates: Coaches may consider practice squad players or backup receivers or running backs with return experience. However, as of Tomlin’s comments, no definitive replacement had been declared.
The change has implications:
- Special teams stability: Consistency is vital for special teams. Changing returners mid-season isn’t ideal, but mistakes like Johnson’s leave no choice.
- Player development & confidence: For Johnson, being removed from kickoff duties could be a blow to confidence. The mental side of recovery will matter as much as physical correction.
If he handles this well, it could become a learning moment; if not, the role may shift permanently, or Johnson’s use in special teams could be limited.
Johnson’s Response & What He Needs to Do
Kaleb Johnson has acknowledged the mistake and seems aware of its seriousness. After the game, he said, “I just made a mistake … Got to stick to it, move on, and just continue to get better every day.”
Here are what Johnson will likely need to do:
- Rule awareness: Understanding kickoff rules clearly, especially the live ball situation when the ball bounces between goal line and 20-yard line.
- Practice under pressure: Simulating real game conditions, particularly bounce-backs and situational awareness in practice drills.
- Mental discipline: Recognizing that special teams plays are sometimes underrated in importance but have huge game consequences. Avoiding assumptions.
- Consistency in detail: Every practice, every snap, every film session must show improvement. Mistakes on special teams can be game-changers.
If Johnson delivers on those, Coach Tomlin seems open to giving him back kickoff return duties. As he said: “you leave the light on … but he has to do that.”
Coach Tomlin’s Leadership & Accountability
This incident and Tomlin’s handling offer insights into Mike Tomlin’s leadership style. The phrase Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs isn’t just a record of Johnson’s role but reflects how Tomlin balances accountability with support.
- Firm but fair: Tomlin didn’t outright cut Johnson from all duties. He demoted him from kickoffs but left open the possibility of return.
- Standards matter: Mistakes are allowed, but only if corrected. The expectation is not just effort, but precise understanding and execution.
- Development over purity: As a rookie, Johnson has leeway for growth. Tomlin’s approach is: you mess up, you learn, you earn back trust.
This approach is consistent with how Tomlin has managed other players historically — high expectations, but also opportunities to recover if the player shows improvement.
What This Means for the Steelers’ Season
The consequences of Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs change extend beyond Johnson’s personal journey: they affect the team’s special teams performance and overall season.
- Turnover risk & scoring swings: The Week 2 error turned into an opponent touchdown. Ball security in special teams is often overlooked until that cost shows up on the scoreboard.
- Field position: Returners who misplay balls can give away field position, magnifying defensive stress and changing game flow.
- Teams’ confidence: Special teams are often about trust. If the unit (coaches, other players, kicker, coverage teams) distrust that the returner is fully prepared, that can ripple into how the plays are called or designed.
Pittsburgh is early in the season (Week 3 coming up following this change), but mistakes like this matter. Correcting them quickly, regaining momentum, and avoiding repeats will be crucial. Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs approach is part of that overall course correction.
History, Rookie Pressure & Similar Incidents
Others have been in similar spots: young returners or players in high-visibility roles making rule-knowledge errors or mental lapses. Some recover; others never fully regain early trust.
- NFL history has shown that special teams blunders can shadow reputations.
- Rookies often face steeper learning curves, particularly with rule changes. This incident may become a case study in how quickly one error under pressure can shape opportunity.
- Fans, media, and teammates often seize on visible errors. How a player responds can shape narratives around accountability, maturity, and potential.
In that sense, Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs decision is not just about one play — it signals how the Steelers expect all players to internalize rules, stay disciplined, and be ready mentally.
What to Watch For in Week 3 and Beyond
If you’re following the Steelers, here are what to keep an eye on to see how this development unfolds:
- Who returns kickoffs vs. New England Patriots in Week 3? Kenneth Gainwell seems likely, but players like Trey Sermon, Roman Wilson (if available), or others might get look-see time.
- How does Johnson practice? Will he be more involved in special teams drills, especially return drills, live bounces, and rule-situational coverage?
- What does Tomlin say after the next game? Will there be public acknowledgment of improved performance or further demotion?
- Will there be any other errors? Repeating even minor mistakes could lock Johnson out of the returner job longer term.
Time will tell whether this is a temporary bump in the road or something more lasting. But Coach Tomlin’s statement about Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs signals that the organization views kickoff roles as not just physical, but very much mental and detail-oriented.
Conclusion
The decision by Mike Tomlin to bench Kaleb Johnson from returning kickoffs in the short term is a stark reminder: in the NFL, the details matter. One misjudgment, when the ball is bouncing and rules are specific, can have outsized impact. Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs isn’t just a headline — it’s a lens into leadership, accountability, and how to respond when pressure is on.
Kaleb Johnson now faces a challenge: correct, learn, and earn back what he lost. For fans, coaches, and teammates, this will be a test of character. And for Pittsburgh, this adjustment could help avoid similar breakdowns going forward.
As the Steelers gear up for their Week 3 game and beyond, keep tabs on how Johnson handles the criticism, how practice looks, and whether Mike Tomlin Kaleb Johnson kickoffs returns to a regular part of the strategy. There’s still time; the season is young. But in this league, every step — even a misstep — matters.
