Steelers Reveal Big Plans For Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Expectations were high for the rookie running back to contribute immediately, as the team looked to fill the void left by Najee Harris, who departed in free agency after the 2024 season. Johnson enters a backfield already featuring Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and the Steelers hope his combination of speed and power can give the offense a dynamic new weapon. With Harris gone, the pressure is on Johnson to show he can handle a significant workload while complementing the talents of Warren and Gainwell.

Warren, however, was forced to miss Week 4 due to an injury, which opened the door for Gainwell to take over the bulk of the carries. Gainwell seized the opportunity, rushing for 99 yards and scoring two touchdowns, proving he can be a reliable contributor when called upon. The performance highlighted the depth of the Steelers’ backfield and underscored the importance of having a versatile rotation. Johnson’s role remained limited in that game, but his talent and preparation have kept him in the conversation as the coaching staff evaluates who will carry the load moving forward.

NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano offered insight on ESPN regarding the Steelers’ plans for Johnson as the season progresses. According to their reports, the team intends to gradually integrate him into the offense, giving him touches in both the running and passing game to maximize his skill set. The Steelers are looking to develop Johnson into a complementary piece alongside Warren and Gainwell rather than immediately rely on him as the feature back. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Johnson can live up to the expectations set for a third-round pick and help stabilize a running back room in transition.

"The team also believes rookie Kaleb Johnson will contribute before the season's end, but as of now, they're fine if the backfield is led by Warren (when healthy) and Gainwell," Fowler said.

It was a brutal start to the 2025 season for Johnson. In just his second game, he made a critical mistake that contributed to the Steelers dropping their Week 3 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Many fans voiced concerns, but it was a rookie blunder, something that often happens early in a young player’s career.

Johnson handled the setback professionally, speaking candidly and taking responsibility for the error. His opportunities were limited in Week 3, but Week 4 presented a chance for redemption with Warren sidelined due to injury. Johnson stepped into the spotlight and began building momentum for his rookie season.

Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Expected To Play Big Role Down The Stretch

In Week 4, Johnson carried the ball six times for 22 rushing yards. While not a breakout performance, he displayed a few critical runs in key moments that caught the eye of both the coaching staff and the fan base. Those flashes of potential helped inspire confidence that Johnson can grow into a reliable contributor in the Steelers’ backfield.

While Johnson has yet to have any massive breakout moments or long runs, his opportunities have been limited. According to trusted insiders, the Steelers hope to continue increasing Johnson’s workload as the 2025 season progresses.

What do you expect to see from Kaleb Johnson's stat line whenever the 2025 season concludes? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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