Steelers turn to Corliss Waitman after punter injury in opener

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a significant setback in their kicking game during their season opener when punter Cameron Johnston suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the entire season. Johnston had just joined the Steelers as a free agent in the offseason and was making his debut with the team. His injury forced the Steelers to look for a replacement quickly to maintain their special teams' effectiveness. Corliss Waitman was signed as a free agent to fill the void left by Johnston. Waitman has previous experience with the Steelers, having played in two games in 2021, and spent the entire 2022 season with the Denver Broncos. Although he has not participated in an NFL regular-season game since 2022, he brings valuable experience and a strong punting average from his earlier appearances. In his brief stint with the Steelers in 2021, Waitman averaged 52.7 yards on his punts, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the team's kicking game. Additionally, he developed his holding skills during his time with the Steelers, which will be beneficial for the team's field goal attempts. As the Steelers prepare to face the Denver Broncos, the team is counting on Waitman to step up and deliver in a crucial role. His performance will be vital in ensuring the Steelers maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming match.