Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Makes Strong Impression On Coaching Staff After Brutal Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision to select the exciting prospect came after the Steelers let former 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris walk in free agency. With Harris gone, the running back room was built around Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Johnson. Warren was forced to miss the Week 4 contest in Dublin, Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, creating an opportunity for the rest of the backfield to step up.

Gainwell rose to the occasion with a dominant performance, rushing 19 times for 99 yards and scoring two touchdowns to help carry the Steelers’ offense. His breakout showing highlighted the depth Pittsburgh now has at the position, a major point of emphasis for the coaching staff after an offseason of significant change. Still, all eyes remained on Johnson, who has struggled to carve out a role since a costly mistake in Week 2. Many Steelers fans were quick to express concern over the rookie’s limited playing time, wondering if he had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.

Despite the slow start, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner provided a promising update following the team’s Week 4 victory. Faulkner praised Johnson’s work ethic and emphasized that the rookie has been making steady progress behind the scenes. While he hasn’t been featured much in games since his early misstep, the Steelers remain confident in his long-term potential. In Week 4, Johnson carried the football six times for 22 rushing yards. 

"That was a big boost for him, that last drive that he was in," Faulkner said while talking to the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday. "You know he was able to get a couple good runs in there. I could feel the pressure off of his shoulders just get lifted. I expect him to just keep getting better and better."

For Johnson, opportunities have been limited, but he stepped up late when the Steelers needed him. Faulkner highlighted a couple of confident, momentum-boosting runs that showed the rookie’s growth. Johnson finished with six carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, a steady contribution that gave the offense a lift.

Steelers fans will hope he builds on this positive showing in Week 4, using it as a confidence booster moving forward. If the Steelers want their running game to stay ahead of schedule, Johnson’s continued development will be an important piece of the puzzle.

With Warren expected to return soon and Gainwell proving he can handle a heavy workload, Johnson will continue developing at his own pace, with the staff believing it’s only a matter of time before he earns back the trust of fans and becomes a key contributor in Pittsburgh’s offense.

Steelers' Running Game Finally Looked Awesome

It was unusual for Steelers fans to see the running game finally come alive without Warren in the lineup. When Warren was ruled out for the Week 4 contest, there was plenty of concern, as the rushing attack had already been struggling. Losing their top back only seemed to make matters worse. 

Instead, Gainwell rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that steadied the offense and silenced doubts. Johnson also had a few promising moments when his number was called, showing flashes of potential. While getting Warren back remains essential for keeping the ground game consistent, Gainwell’s breakout showing has inspired renewed confidence among the fan base in his ability to carry the load when needed.

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