Bills Waive Former Steelers Punter Off of Injured Reserve Thursday

According to multiple reports, the Buffalo Bills have waived former Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston from their injured reserve list. The move was also confirmed by the NFL Communications website.

Johnston signed with the Bills on Sept. 9, but has been out of commission with a foot injury since the fourth week of the season. 

The Steelers waived Johnston rather unceremoniously on the day of final NFL cutdown day. He had originally signed a three-year, $9 million free agent contract with the Steelers in 2024 but appeared in just one game after suffering a serious knee injury in the 2024 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Johnston returned to full strength this offseason working with the training staff in Pittsburgh. However, he ended up losing his gig to Corliss Waitman, who signed with the team as Johnston’s injury replacement in 2024.

Waitman won the job with an impressive season. He had a career-best 71 year punt and placed 27 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He is also known for his tremendous hang time. 

Johnston started in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he would play three seasons and win a championship ring in Super Bowl LII.

He then signed with the Houston Texans in 2021 when he led the league in gross punting yards with 4,108. He also led the league in total punts with 88, but that was based more on the Texans' offensive futility.

He played two more seasons in Houston before catching on with Pittsburgh in 2024.

Johnston has not indicated if he wants to continue playing in the NFL. He has suffered some gruesome injuries over the last few years and he might decide to hang up his cleats. However, when he is healthy, he is as good as any other punter in the league. 

He attended Ohio State University.