Steelers Should Absolutely Have Big Concerns For Promising Running Back: "It Is Something To Keep An Eye On"

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 1 win over the New York Jets had plenty of highs and lows. The passing game looked sharper than it has in years, with Aaron Rodgers throwing for 244 yards and four touchdowns. Scoring 34 points was impressive, but the run game left plenty to be desired. Pittsburgh finished with just 53 rushing yards total, 37 from Jaylen Warren and 19 from Kenneth Gainwell. One Steelers running back who entered the season with high expectations didn't have that great of a performance, and one Steelers insider says that might be a cause of concern.

Rookie Kaleb Johnson only received one carry in Week 1, and he didn't make it back to the line of scrimmage. Johnson did get time on special teams as a kickoff returner, returning five kickoffs for a total of 132 yards. One thing that stood out while watching the game was Johnson's explosiveness, or lack there of. He was one of the top big-play running backs coming out of college, and it simply didn't seem like he had any of that explosiveness on Sunday. 

In a recent conversation with 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly was asked if Steelers fans should be worried about how Johnson looked against the Jets. 

"I hate to say worried or concerned, but it is something to keep an eye on," said Kaboly. 

The Steelers reshaped their running back room this offseason. The departure or Najee Harris in free agency meant Pittsburgh needed a new number one back. The Steelers looked to a very talented running back class in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they drafted Johnson 83rd overall out of Iowa. 

Johnson wasn't expected to be the main back right out of the gate, with Warren signing a new contract extension during the preseason, guaranteeing him a bigger role. Some thought the plan was for Warren to be the lead guy, with Johnson finding 5-10 carries per game, but that certainly wasn't the case against the Jets. That very well could've been a game plan-related issue as Head Coach Mike Tomlin alluded to earlier in the week. Kaboly mentioned earlier as well that the Steelers' surprising decisions with running back carries was game plan specific against the Jets. Regardless, in Johnson's limited time, he didn't look too impressive. 

Johnson was one of the best running backs in the country at Iowa, rushing for over 2,700 yards in three seasons. He had a strong training camp and preseason, who showed potential as the future answer at the running back position for Pittsburgh, but the Johnson that we saw on Sunday didn't seem to be the same guy.

"That explosion you see now is night and day from his first couple of days of training camp," said Kaboly. "I didn’t see that coming unless he’s dealing with an injury. If he is, that would make sense. If he is hesitant to open up, maybe then be worried."

Could it be that Johnson's struggles were simply from nervousness? Or is something bothering him physically? If it’s nerves, that’s normal for a rookie. Plenty of guys take a few weeks to get comfortable. However, if he’s already banged up or holding back, then the Steelers might have a problem.

Steelers' Rushing Attack Has To Improve

Whether it's Johnson, Warren, or Gainwell, the Steelers have to see an improved rushing attack soon. The Steelers have always been a run-first team, not just in recent seasons, but throughout their entire franchise history. 53 rushing yards per game will not cut it, and one carry for -2 yards for Johnson will not cut it. The Steelers need the size, strength, and explosiveness that Johnson showed in college. Having a solid running attack is vital in opening up the play-action pass, which is what the Steelers thrived on in their Week 1 win. 

Do you think the Steelers' running game will improve in Week 2? Let us know in the comments!

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