Former Steelers Lineman Reveals Hidden Concerns With Kaleb Johnson Following Rookie's First Preseason Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most promising running back rooms in the entire NFL. They selected rookie Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as Johnson is expected to begin the season as Pittsburgh's running back three (RB3) behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Warren will enter 2025 as a starting running back for the first time in his career, and many feel as if the rising star could establish himself as a top back in the league with Najee Harris no longer in the picture.

Warren will take on the majority of the workload throughout the season and Gainwell will likely be catching a bunch of passes out of the backfield, but many feel like Johnson is a player that could turn heads in the near future. Johnson played a crucial role on Iowa's offense during his time with the program, and the former Hawkeye shouldn't have an issue translating his college success to the pro level. 

Despite optimism surrounding Johnson remaining high, some people feel like his performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the preseason was underwhelming. Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex recently shared his thoughts on the rookie running back's performance on Saturday, as the former Pittsburgh mauler claims he didn't see enough out of Johnson in his first exhibition game.

"Kaleb Johnson, who's had a really good camp up to this point, I thought might have looked a little tentative out there," Essex stated. "I was concerned, because our yards per carry were a little low."

Essex then went on to speak about Johnson's inability to press the hole a little more, while the former lineman remains optimistic that Johnson will improve in the future.

"I thought maybe we didn't get enough push up front, but the o-line actually got some pretty good push on some zone plays that I thought Kaleb could've pressed the hole a little more," Essex explained.

Despite all the hype surrounding Johnson, the running back is still a rookie and it very well may take him time to adjust to his role in the Steelers' backfield. Johnson is expected to be a top rookie at his position despite the early struggles, with many feeling as if the former Iowa star will break out at some point in 2025.

Johnson has continued to turn heads throughout training camp, and many people agree with Essex's comments. Fans and pundits feel like the running back's performance in Week 1 was disappointing, yet promising. The rookie will have multiple chances to prove himself during the rest of preseason, with Johnson more than likely breaking through within the upcoming weeks. 

Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Will Look To Bounce Back In Week 2 Vs Tampa Bay

Despite Johnson's underwhelming performance in his NFL debut, the rookie finds himself in prime position to have a bounce back performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 of the preseason for Pittsburgh. Johnson is expected to be the Steelers' starting running back again similar to the Jaguars game, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will continue to evaluate the rookie's performance with many starters continuing to sit out. Johnson could have a big week against Tampa Bay's second and third string defensive unit, although Warren's availability is still up in there air.

Johnson had eight carries for 20 yards against Jacksonville, with his longest run of the night being a seven yard gain. The rookie led the team in carries despite having the second most rushing yards, as Lew Nichols was credited with 31 yards on six carries. The Steelers are expected to continue evaluating the entire running back room throughout the course of the preseason, as both Warren and Johnson will look to make a major impact this year.

#SteelerNation