Cameron Johnston’s NFL season with Pittsburgh could be over after just one game, with the Australian punter appearing to suffer a serious knee injury in his Steelers debut.
Johnston, who joined Pittsburgh from Houston on a three-year, $9 million deal, was hurt in the season opener when he collided with an Atlanta Falcons defender during an attempted punt late in the fourth quarter.
His foot was stuck in the ground and it led to his right leg twisting awkwardly.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
The 32-year-old appeared in obvious pain and was carted to the sidelines.
After the 18-10 win on Sunday (local time), the club said Johnston would have an MRI to determine the severity of his injury.
“Cam Johnston appears to have a serious injury. I’ll have an update for you next time we come together,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after the game.
“It’s a shame for him. This guy has been spectacular through team development. He’s an absolute stud, not only in his talents, but his approach to business. My heart goes out to him.”
Opening the season at home in Atlanta, Johnston punted twice for 103 yards, a 51.5-yard average, including one inside the 20.
In 2021 the Aussie led the NFL with 88 punts for 4108 yards (46.7 average) while with the Texans.
Johnston was selected by Melbourne in the 2011 AFL draft.
He never played senior football and was delisted at the end of his first season, prompting a switch to the NFL via college football.