PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin says Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz suffered a short-term injury, and it will not affect him long-term. The team got ‘good news’ on him, though Steelers insider Mark Kaboly said it is believed that Kuntz suffered a broken sternum.
Either way, Tomlin and the Steelers do not expect to be without Kuntz for all that long, though they signed veteran Jake McQuaide to help fill the gaps.
McQuaide, 38, has been in the NFL since 2011, playing with the Los Angeles Rams from 2011 to 2020. Last season, he spent time on multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins. He has played in 197 games.
Kuntz made a tackle on a punt return, laying out to make the play. After that, he came off the field grabbing his chest and was attended to by trainers. The Steelers took his shoulder pads and helmet and he went to the locker room. He was quickly ruled out.
A Duquesne University graduate, Kuntz played outside linebacker before switching to long snapper in the NFL. A Pittsburgh native, he played at Chartiers Valley High School.
He had become a fan favorite over the years as a local player who entrenched himself on the team. Without him around, it will change the team’s entire special teams operation. Logan Lee became the team’s long snapper with Kuntz out of the game, but it is likely that McQuaide will now take over that role.
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