Cameron Johnston’s Unexpected Exit: Bills Release Veteran Punter After Injury Setback
In a surprising move on Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills announced they had released punter Cameron Johnston from their injured reserve list, officially ending his brief tenure with the team. The decision came after Johnston, 33, was sidelined due to a knee injury in Week 4, leaving the team to reassess their punting situation moving forward.
Johnston’s journey to Buffalo has been far from conventional. Originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2017, Johnston played a pivotal role in special teams, but his road to consistency in the NFL has been full of twists and turns. After spending time with the Eagles, he had a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2021, followed by a notable three-year, $9 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2024. However, after being cut from Pittsburgh’s training camp this year, Johnston found a new home with the Bills in September 2025.
While with Buffalo, Johnston made a solid impact over his three games, averaging 44.0 yards per punt on seven attempts and placing two inside the 20-yard line. Despite these contributions, the injury to his knee derailed his ability to stay healthy and continue his momentum.
What’s Next for Johnston?
Johnston’s release from the Bills raises questions about his future in the NFL. At 33, the veteran punter has proven his worth on multiple occasions, but his injury history, especially in his knee, may have limited his appeal to other teams. His past performances, including his tenure with the Eagles and Steelers, show that he has the potential to contribute to a playoff-caliber special teams unit, but his availability and health will be major factors in any future contracts.
It’s unclear whether Johnston will continue his career elsewhere, but teams in need of an experienced punter will certainly be keeping an eye on his recovery. If healthy, he remains a viable option for teams seeking a steady leg in the postseason stretch.
For now, Johnston’s release marks the end of his stint with Buffalo, but given his solid track record, this may not be the last we’ve seen of the talented punter in the NFL.
A Season on the Edge: How Tyler Shough Became New Orleans Saints’ New Hope
Since Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement during the offseason, New Orleans Saints have faced a massive gap at quarterback. With a roster that now includes Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough, the team was left scrambling to find a leader under center. But no one expected a relative unknown like Shough to step up in such dramatic fashion.
Tyler Shough: From Rookie to Potential QB Savior
After an intense quarterback battle, Saints initially named Spencer Rattler as their starting QB. While Rattler didn’t perform terribly, the team’s offensive struggles became more evident as the season wore on. The Saints offense was stagnant, and with each passing game, it became clear that they were missing something. That something, it seems, was Tyler Shough.
After struggling in his first outing against the Los Angeles Rams, Shough was called upon to start in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. What followed was nothing short of a revelation. The rookie quarterback completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He controlled the game with poise and accuracy, leading the Saints to a dominant victory.
Why Shough Could Be the Breakout Star the Saints Desperately Need
Shough’s performance against the Panthers wasn’t just good — it was exceptional. His ability to manage the game, control the tempo, and make crucial throws showcased a maturity beyond his years. While many expected the Saints to rely on their defense to carry them through the season, it was Shough’s leadership that turned the tide.
“He showed a significant difference from his first start to his second, and if he keeps progressing, the Saints could have a potential star on their hands,” said Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. For a rookie, Shough displayed remarkable composure, going 19 for 27 with no turnovers. Although he isn’t a dual-threat quarterback on the ground, he doesn’t need to be. His performance in the air is more than enough to prove he can be a reliable signal-caller for New Orleans.
Shough’s Future in New Orleans: Could He Be the QB for Years to Come?
While it’s still early to make any concrete predictions, it’s clear that Shough’s performance against the Panthers has given the Saints a glimmer of hope. Whether or not he can continue his upward trajectory remains to be seen, but if he does, the Saints could find themselves with a long-term solution at quarterback — something they haven’t had since Drew Brees.
The Saints are facing a critical stretch in the next few weeks, and all eyes will be on Shough to see if he can continue to develop and keep New Orleans in playoff contention. If his performance improves and remains consistent, it’s possible that the Saints will no longer need to look for another quarterback.
For now, though, Tyler Shough has given New Orleans something they haven’t had in a while: hope. And in the NFL, that’s often the most powerful thing you can have.