Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Struggling To Win Trust Of Mike Tomlin And Brass

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They loved what they saw out of Johnson, who carried an Iowa offense that rarely threw the football. Because of that, Johnson consistently faced loaded, stacked boxes in the Big Ten week after week and still managed to dominate. 

Now, he is tasked with translating that momentum to the NFL level in Pittsburgh. With Jaylen Warren leading the backfield, Johnson will need to quickly prove he can be a dependable second option and carve out a role in the offense. While Johnson’s talent and physicality are clear, the rookie has struggled to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses in the early stages. Which is to be expected for a rookie trying to learn the change to the NFL level.

His decision-making at the line of scrimmage has appeared a step slower than in college, where he could rely heavily on his power to wear down defenders. In Pittsburgh, every hesitation is costly and defenders close gaps far faster than they do in the Big Ten. Pass protection has also been a concern, as Johnson continues learning how to recognize blitzes and protect the quarterback. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo spoke about these issues during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, noting that they have been the biggest factors holding Johnson back early in camp.

"There's no way the Steelers are going to trust Kaleb Johnson to pass protect or catch the ball out of the backfield," Fittipaldo said.

Many pundits expected Johnson to eventually emerge as the lead back. Warren would still receive a significant workload, and veteran Kenneth Gainwell could provide a spark as well. 

However, Fittipaldo believes Warren is firmly RB1, and Gainwell has been looking impressive. Though he admitted the running game is not progressing well.

"It’s not," Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday when talking about the struggles of the running game. "The blocking has been part of it. Isaac Seumalo has not been around very much during training camp. I think he is going to be fine for the regular season, but they have been very careful with him. That is part of it."

Fittipaldo spoke further about how Johnson has struggled to earn the trust of Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the brass.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Sends Big Challenge To Rookie Running Back Kaleb Johnson

Johnson rushed the football eight times for just 20 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his first NFL game. It was only the preseason, but his 2.5 yards per carry did not impress anyone. Tomlin spoke to the media and challenged Johnson to trust himself more.

"You know you heard Mike Tomlin and Andy Weidl talk yesterday just about how Kaleb has to start trusting himself," Fittipaldo said. "I think that happens sometimes with rookies. Maybe you are nervous in your first game or nervous in your first training camp. You are trying to do everything right, but sometimes you are just swimming in a lot of information. I think Kaleb is going through that right now. Not a great first performance against the Jaguars."

For now, Johnson’s ability to earn the trust of Tomlin and the coaching staff will depend on how quickly he can improve in these areas. The Steelers have a long-standing expectation that their running backs contribute in every phase of the game, not just as runners. 

Johnson’s path to meaningful snaps in his rookie season will require him to prove he can be just as dependable without the ball in his hands. If he can show consistent progress in the coming weeks, Pittsburgh may still get the physical and resilient back they envisioned when they selected him in that third round.

What are your honest expectations for Johnson in his first season in the Steel City? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and toss a follow.

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