Steelers' Mike Tomlin Singles Out A Key Rookie Following Loss To Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson had a promising performance in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason. Pittsburgh hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the rookie running back being one of the major bright spots on the Steelers' offense. Johnson's multiple signs of improvement throughout the night is excellent considering his underwhelming performance in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Johnson was credited with 50 yards on 11 carries in against the Buccaneers, which was a major upgrade from his 20-yard stat line that he posted in Week 1. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin claims to have saw more of Johnson's talent against the Bucs as well. The rookie will continue get some of the most work out of any running back for the rest of the preseason, with Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff likely keeping a close eye on the former Iowa Hawkeye.

Tomlin shared his thoughts on the rookie's performance following the game, as he claimed Johnson's true colors may finally be coming to light.

"I just thought we saw more of his talents this time around." Tomlin stated. "I think that's a reasonable expectation, you know. He's been in the stadium, the mystic of it is over and so as people get settled in and more comfortable with their roles in this NFL environment I think your just going to see more of their talents. And it just felt like we saw more of his talent tonight."

Tomlin was then asked if he saw what he wanted to see out of Johnson tonight, and his response was about as simple as it could be as he answered very sternly.

"Yes."

Johnson will have some work to do in order to get snaps with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainewell in the backfield. A third-round selection out of Iowa, Johnson may quickly find himself with an increased role throughout his rookie season if he can prove himself. The former Hawkeye could emerge as a legitimate threat for Arthur Smith's offense due to his strength and athletic ability as well.

Johnson will continue to prove himself throughout the preseason while Tomlin's comments remain as a promising sign moving forward. The rookie looked much more confident during his second official appearance in an NFL game, as Johnson seemed to be trying to figure things out for the majority of the night against the Jaguars in Week 1. Johnson will get his next opportunity to showcase his abilities on Thursday when the Steelers play the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 of the preseason.

Steelers' Tomlin Singles Out Kaleb Johnson And Derrick Harmon Following The Loss

Tomlin had high praise for multiple rookies following the Week 2 loss. Tomlin highlighted Derrick Harmon's performance on defense, where the rookie was credited with the first official sack of his NFL career. Tomlin felt as if Harmon made major improvements following his performance in Week 1, where the rookie defensive lineman seemed to be taking things slow in a similar fashion to Johnson.

Harmon was the Steelers' first-round pick in 2025. Many fans believe the rookie could follow in the footsteps of legends like Cam Heyward and TJ Watt, as Harmon was considered to be a top defensive prospect from his class. Tomlin emphasized that he expects both Harmon and Johnson to continue looking more comfortable each week as well.

Johnson should continue to improve with every rep as the rookie gets comfortable with his new role in Pittsburgh. Tomlin's update on the young running back is promising, with Johnson more than likely playing an important role on the Steelers' offense at some point this season. Both Johnson and Harmon will continue to prove themselves in week 3 of the preseason against the Panthers on Thursday night.

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