Steelers' Mike Tomlin Accused Of Making Grave Mistake With Rookie Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten off to a slow start in the running game throughout the first five weeks of the 2025 season. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have taken the majority of the snaps out of the Steelers' backfield to begin the year, and Gainwell was credited with a career performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Pittsburgh currently has promising rookie Kaleb Johnson as an option in the backfield as well, but he hasn't gotten too many opportunities to prove himself.

Johnson was a third-round pick of the Steelers in April. The rookie was an excellent prospect coming out of college and it could have been believed that the former Iowa Hawkeye would be producing at a much higher level throughout his rookie season. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo recently took a moment to share his thoughts on Johnson's rookie campaign so far, with the reporter feeling as if Head Coach Mike Tomlin should be giving Johnson more reps on a consistent basis.

DeFabo defended the Steelers' drafting of Johnson in the third round during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, as the insider claimed there was legitimate value in selecting the former Hawkeye.

"I know everyone's furious with him, because he made that major blunder on a kick return," DeFabo noted. "At the same time, you see every single other rookie running back is being productive."

DeFabo continued to praise the Steelers' selection of Johnson, and he believes the ball-carrier could shine over time.

"Not only that Kaleb Johnson was worthy of a third round pick, but there was legitimate value in the third round by selecting him there. I feel like you have to work in these young guys. You have to develop them."

Johnson's kick return blunder was a nightmare scenario for all involved. The rookie made a crucial mistake in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks where he appeared to be unaware of the new kickoff rules, as the play ultimately resulted in a Seahawks' touchdown. Johnson has had an extremely limited number of touches since the incident, but the rookie could see more playing time if he plays at a higher level.

Johnson is a talented player despite struggling to begin his rookie season. The rookie has not seen much playing time over the first four games of his career and many fans may feel as if he needs more playing time moving forward. DeFabo shares a similar opinion to many as Johnson's best route to playing at a higher level would be an increase in playing time and reps moving forward.

Steelers' Johnson Could Improve As The 2025 Season Rolls On

Johnson is an extremely talented running back with tons of untapped potential not being too relevant throughout his first four games. The rookie could have an increased roll when he shows signs of improvement and Johnson could emerge as a true weapon towards the end of the year. Johnson will be listed as the third running back on the depth chart on Sunday against Cleveland but the rookie could still make an impact despite having a limited role.

Pittsburgh may have to be patient with Johnson. He was a star in college and could quickly get back to playing like the former version of himself with a big performance. Johnson has seen an extremely limited number of reps since his blunder on special teams, but the rookie will need to make an impact with the playing time he is given.

Johnson is a very promising rookie despite struggling early on. The third round pick could still make an impact in the future but Johnson will need to earn his way to more reps for now. Pittsburgh will host the Browns on Sunday as Johnson and the rest of the Steelers' backfield will look to have a big day.

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