Mike Tomlin sends clear message to Steelers rookie after game-altering mistake

Mike Tomlin says Kaleb Johnson won't be returning kickoffs in 'short term' 

"I'm certainly going to give [Johnson] an opportunity to work his way back from that," Tomlin told the media Tuesday. "I believe in his talent. He's a sharp young man. He's a hard worker, and so you leave the light on for him. You give him an opportunity to move on from it, but he has to do that.

"He has displayed that with his daily work, and he's going to earn himself back into the position to be a participant. And so we'll see where the rows lead us. I'm open to it, certainly."

Fellow RB Kenneth Gainwell is already returning kicks for the Steelers. Tomlin didn't say who would replace Johnson. They may turn to second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson or RB Trey Sermon, who's on the practice squad. 

This is costly for Johnson, who is struggling for playing time. Through two games, the third-round pick out of Iowa has just two carries for a loss of one yard. 

Following the loss, Johnson vowed to work harder after his mistake. Now, Tomlin wants him to keep his promise.

"You've got to man up, you got to acknowledge your shortcomings, and then you got to work to move beyond it," he said. "Forget what you say, it's about how you move forward in terms of your work, the level of detail and the consistency of it."

Johnson must respond to Tomlin's challenge to get back in the coach's good graces. Otherwise, his opportunities will continue to dwindle.