Pittsburgh’s Week 2 preseason scare around long snapper Christian Kuntz has the Steelers acting with urgency. Kuntz suffered a chest injury but a short-term diagnosis from Mike Tomlin and Kuntz’s own optimism points to a fast return, potentially in time for Week 1 against the New York Jets. In the interim, Pittsburgh tapped Jake McQuaide, a 14-year veteran, to stabilize long snapping while Logan Lee stepped up admirably in the backup role during preseason actions. The move signals a priority on special-teams reliability as the club opens the regular season.
From a fantasy lens, long snapping isn’t a typical stat, but roster stability in the kicking game matters. If Kuntz misses time, McQuaide handles punts and extra points, which could influence field-position dynamics and kicker consistency early in the season. A clean snap mitigates missed kicks, while any hiccup could ripple through the Steelers’ starting units. Week 1 showdown with the Jets will test how quickly the new depth secures the unit’s rhythm.
Recovery timelines remain the wild card, yet the franchise’s emphasis on short-term safety bodes well for early-season trust in PIT’s special-teams core. McQuaide’s veteran presence buys time for a prudent return, while Lee’s early showing leaves Pittsburgh with a flexible contingency plan. Jets visit in Week 1 adds a tangible benchmark for the unit’s immediate impact.
