Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Shares A Promising Update Prior To Matchup In Cincinnati: "Feeling Really Good"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have excelled on the offensive side of the football in recent weeks. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will look to pick up right where he left off in Week 6 when the team travels to Cincinnati for Thursday Night Football. The Steelers were able to put together one of their strongest rushing performances on the year against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday, and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had a career high six touches for 15 yards in the victory.

Johnson was the Steelers' third round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The talented running back was a star at Iowa, but he has struggled through the early stages of his NFL career thus far. The rookie took a moment to speak with the media following Sunday's victory and says it has felt really good to see an increase in reps over the past few weeks. He also claims that his rookie season has been a learning experience to this point and he has been taking things week by week.

"It's been feeling really good," Johnson said in regards to his increased role. "Just taking it every week, week by week, and just applying myself every week."

Johnson continued to emphasize the importance of practice throughout the week prior to the games.

"Practicing and practicing well, because practice reps [are] going to apply to the field. That's my mentality," Johnson continued to explain.

Johnson hasn't seen consistent playing time yet in 2025. The rookie had an extremely limited role following his mental blunder on a kickoff return in Week 2, but Johnson's increase in reps over the past few weeks is a very exciting sign moving forward. 

Johnson is currently listed as the third string running back behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Warren has solidified himself as the Steelers' starting running back, but Johnson and Gainwell could compete for the backup role as Johnson continues to improve. Pittsburgh's offensive line will play a crucial role in Johnson's success Thursday night as well and the rookie could build upon his performance on Sunday.

Steelers' Offensive Line Will Play A Crucial Role In Johnson's Performance Vs. Bengals

The Bengals could potentially play without superstar defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson against Pittsburgh in primetime due to an injury. Hendrickson's status for the upcoming game currently remains up in the air, but Broderick Jones and the rest of the Steelers' offensive line will need to be at their best regardless. Johnson's performance against Cincinnati will have a direct tie to how the offensive line performs and the rookie could quickly find himself with an increased role once again. 

The Steelers' backfield as a whole could be a difference maker if the offensive line plays well. Johnson is an athletic rookie that could excel with additional space to work with, and Warren has been excellent in the past with above average offensive line play. 

Johnson's overall improvement in Week 6 was very exciting to see. The talented rookie could have an increased workload once again in Week 7 if the coaches permit, and the offensive line may have a direct role in how the backfield performs as a whole. As mentioned, the Steelers will be on the road in Cincinnati on Thursday as Johnson and company will look to send a major statement to the rest of the AFC North.

Did you like what you saw out of Kaleb Johnson in Week 6? Do you think the rookie will play at an even higher level on Thursday night? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!

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