Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Special Teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with one of the NFL’s most stable special teams units, returning an All-Pro kicker, an experienced punter coming back from injury, and one of the league’s most reliable long snappers.

Chris Boswell remains the centerpiece after another outstanding season that reinforced his reputation as one of football’s elite kickers. Cameron Johnston is expected to reclaim punting duties after an injury cut short his Steelers debut, while Christian Kuntz returns for his sixth season handling long snapping responsibilities.

The Steelers also have several players who could factor into the return game. Undrafted rookie Kaden Wetjen brings explosive speed and college production as both a receiver and return specialist. Rookie fullback Eli Heidenreich and veteran running back Travis Homer also offer value on coverage units and could compete for important special teams roles throughout training camp.

Here’s a closer look at Pittsburgh’s special teams group heading into Latrobe.

Chris Boswell

There is little left for Chris Boswell to accomplish in Pittsburgh. He has developed into one of the greatest kickers in franchise history as a two-time Pro Bowler, First Team All-Pro selection, and the NFL’s scoring leader in 2024. He has built a reputation as one of football’s most dependable specialists as his ability from long range has been unmatched.

Boswell currently owns the highest career field goal percentage on kicks of 50 yards or longer in NFL history, making him a weapon that’s helped maintain Pittsburgh’s consistency.

Boswell followed his remarkable 2024 campaign with another strong season in 2025. He opened the year by drilling a franchise-record 60-yard game-winning field goal against the New York Jets, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He finished the season converting 27 of 32 field goal attempts while making 42 of 43 extra points, continuing the consistency that has defined his career.

The Steelers rewarded Boswell with a four-year, $28 million contract extension this offseason, tying him with Brandon Aubrey as the NFL’s highest-paid kicker. At 35 years old, he remains one of Pittsburgh’s biggest advantages in close games and enters training camp without any competition for the job.

Cameron Johnston

The Steelers expected Cameron Johnston to stabilize the punting game when they signed him before the 2024 season, but injuries delayed those plans.

Johnston suffered a significant knee injury during the opening week of the 2024 season after appearing in just one game. Veteran Corliss Waitman stepped in admirably over the following two seasons, but Pittsburgh brought Johnston back after the latter was inconsistent during 2025.

Healthy, Johnston returns looking to reclaim the job he was originally brought in to fill. Prior to joining the Steelers, Johnston ranked among the NFL’s better punters with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans, combining a powerful leg with excellent hang time and directional placement.

Training camp will provide Johnston the opportunity to demonstrate that he is one hundred percent and is ready to resume handling punting duties.

Christian Kuntz

Christian Kuntz continues to be one of the most overlooked yet dependable members of the Steelers roster. The Pittsburgh native has quietly handled long snapping duties since 2021, delivering the consistency teams demand from one of football’s most specialized positions.

While long snappers rarely receive much attention, mistakes often become memorable. Kuntz has largely avoided those moments throughout his Steelers career.

Beyond his snapping duties, Kuntz remains an active contributor on coverage units and has even recorded tackles while sprinting downfield after punts.

As long as his consistency continues, Kuntz’s roster spot remains one of the safest on the team.

Kaden Wetjen

The Steelers invested a fourth-round pick in Kaden Wetjen with the expectation that he can provide an immediate spark on special teams.

Wetjen took an unconventional path to the NFL, beginning his college career at Iowa Western Community College before walking on at Iowa. He developed into one of the nation’s premier return specialists, winning the Jet Award, not once, but twice, as the top return man in college football.

During his final season, he scored four return touchdowns and finished his career with a school-record six return scores.

His biggest opportunity as a rookie will come in the return game, where the Steelers are looking for more explosiveness. If Wetjen carries his big-play ability to the NFL, he has a strong chance to handle both kick and punt return duties while carving out a role on special teams from day one.

Eli Heidenreich

Eli Heidenreich enters training camp as one of the more versatile rookies on the Steelers’ roster.

A standout at Navy, Heidenreich developed into one of the Midshipmen’s most dynamic offensive weapons. After seeing little action early in his college career, he emerged as a dual-threat fullback who could make plays as both a runner and receiver.

He finished his senior season with 444 rushing yards, 671 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns while setting Navy’s career receiving yards record and earning an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Heidenreich’s measurables are often compared with that of a much higher draft pick from years ago, Christina McCaffrey. While it’s unlikely Heidenreich matches CMC’s stature in the NFL, the former’s versatility could eventually earn him offensive snaps in Mike McCarthy‘s system.

However, his clearest path to the 53-man roster is through special teams. His physical style, willingness to block, and ability to contribute in multiple phases make him a natural fit for the type of role the Steelers have long valued.

Travis Homer

Travis Homer arrives in Pittsburgh as a veteran whose value extends well beyond the running back position.

A sixth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, Homer carved out a role as one of the NFL’s better special teams contributors. He made an impact on fake punts, recovered an onside kick for a touchdown in 2021, and earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring on a 73-yard fake punt against the San Francisco 49ers.

His versatility and willingness to do the dirty work helped him stick in Seattle before spending the last three seasons with the Chicago Bears.

The Steelers signed Homer to a one-year deal this offseason with the expectation that he will strengthen Danny Crossman‘s special teams units.

While he can provide depth at running back if needed, his experience in coverage, return protection, and other special teams assignments gives him a clear path to earning a roster spot.

Riley Nowakowski

Fifth-round pick Riley Nowakowski brings versatility and physicality to the Steelers after taking an unconventional path through college football.

Originally a walk-on linebacker at Wisconsin, Nowakowski transitioned to fullback before eventually settling in at tight end. He earned a scholarship, was voted a team captain in 2024, and built a reputation as one of the Big Ten’s most dependable blockers.

After transferring to Indiana for his final season, he became the Hoosiers’ starting tight end and helped lead the program to the 2025 national championship, scoring touchdowns during both the regular season and the title game while earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors.

While Nowakowski could eventually compete for offensive snaps, his quickest path to the 53-man roster will likely come on special teams. His experience at multiple positions, physical style of play, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a strong candidate to contribute on coverage units while providing valuable depth at tight end.