The Pittsburgh Steelers attempted a fake field goal against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter on Sunday and it did not go well for anyone involved, especially kicker Chris Boswell.
With the score tied 3-3, the Steelers lined up for a field goal from the Browns’ 10-yard line with a little under two minutes left before the half. Boswell took the direct snap and scrambled towards the sidelines. Right as he threw the ball out of the back of the endzone, he took a huge hit from Browns DT Jordan Elliott that sent him flying.
#Steelers K Chris Boswell is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return after taking this hit. #PITvsCLE pic.twitter.com/qFKbIrXN7t
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) October 31, 2021
To make matters worse, Boswell was injured on the play and needed to be helped off the field. He was taken to the locker room and evaluated for a concussion. Not only is that a scary thing for Boswell but it leaves the Steelers in a very bad spot in terms of available kickers.
#Browns S John Johnson has a neck injury and his return is questionable.#Steelers K Chris Boswell is being evaluated for a concussion. (Boswell was hit attempting a pass on a fake field goal.)
This game is tied at 3 at halftime.— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) October 31, 2021
Surprisingly, Elliott was not flagged on the play, which drew criticism from those around the NFL world.
Even though Chris Boswell is a kicker by position, on this fake field goal attempt, he is a passer. A defender cannot hit the passer forcibly in the head or neck area. IMO this should have been a 15 yard penalty for roughing in #PITvsCLE. pic.twitter.com/EXnOfledfv
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) October 31, 2021
Even worse, Chris Boswell is hurt after that fake attempt. He got drilled after making that throw. I know he's a kicker, but a quarterback getting hit like that probably draws a flag.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 31, 2021
The Steelers may now have to rely on rookie punter Pressley Harvin for any extra points or field goals. That’s a bad spot to be in, especially if the game comes down to a much-needed kick.
#Steelers will be w/out kicker Chris Boswell; he has a concussion after that ill-fated fake field goal and is OUT. Rookie punter Pressley Harvin has been kicking into the net on the sideline here.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) October 31, 2021
Boswell will not return to the game and it is unlikely he’ll ever want to try a fake field goal pass again. However, it’s not like he hasn’t pulled it off before so maybe he’ll be able to rebound.
As many have pointed out on social media, the way things played out is probably how it would play out if any of us ever tried to step on an NFL field.
If you’re wondering how you’d fare playing in the NFL, it’d look like the Boswell play.
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) October 31, 2021
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.