Steelers reportedly will be without Christian Kuntz for “weeks to months”
During the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 2 Preseason game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium the team dealt with multiple injuries. The more serious of those players who left with an injury was long snapper Christian Kuntz, who was dealing with what was called a “chest” injury.
While nothing has come from the team regarding Kuntz’s timeline to return, Mike Tomlin said after the game the team got “good news” on the injury. It is now being reported the team could be without their long snapper for “weeks to months”, this per Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee show:
Steelers LS Christian Kuntz' injury is his sternum. It is believed to be broken, according to a source. That would keep him out for several weeks to months.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 18, 2025
Some might suggest long snapper isn’t a vital part of the football team, and it isn’t that big of a deal to lose Kuntz for any amount of time. However, when you talk about the special teams battery between long snapper, holder, and/or kicker, the process is something which takes time to develop. The Steelers did have a back-up long snapper in camp just over a week ago, and it would make sense he is a potential candidate to come in and replace Kuntz until he is healthy and able to return.
In the meantime, the fan base got to know who is the emergency back-up long snapper, and that is defensive lineman Logan Lee. Lee was able to step in throughout the game vs. Tampa Bay and did a good job filling in when called upon. For Steelers fans, most remember the game in 2008 when James Harrison had to come in and snap for injured Greg Warren, only for that to equate in a safety when Harrison snapped the ball out of the end-zone over the punter’s head.
Hopefully the Steelers will provide enough time for the new long snapper to get acclimated to the battery and the team doesn’t miss a beat once the regular season rolls around.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 of the NFL Preseason this Thursday night.
Oooof, not good. Get well soon CK!
Thankfully, Lee did an OK job during the preseason game. But best not to rely on an emergency backup if at all possible.
And that is why 53 is so important. None of the 53 are disposable.
That’s a tough loss. He’s one of the best LS in the league, so the next man up has some pretty big shoes to fill.
Get well soon!
Jake McQuade has longtime experience, he started playing in 2011 as UDFA.