Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson Gets Interesting Opportunity On Friday At Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a draft class that the fan base was excited about in 2025. The first pick for the organization was defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and he struggled with some injuries throughout his rookie season but he did perform well when he was fully healthy. Other defenders were impressive as well, including Yahya Black, Jack Sawyer, and Carson Bruener on special teams. However, the franchise's second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was running back Kaleb Johnson, and he struggled during his rookie season. He struggled so much that some believe his roster spot may already be up in the air.

It was always going to be a little bit difficult for Johnson to see the field in his rookie year. Former Head Coach Mike Tomlin never really made it easy on rookies, and once Johnson had his special teams mishap against the Seattle Seahawks, he was going to be in the dog house. He was also behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, which was going to make things difficult anyway. 

His error on special teams handed Seattle a free touchdown and essentially put the game out of reach, and he barely saw the field for the rest of the year. He didn't know he had to field the ball and down it when it went into the end zone on a kickoff, which is something the former coaching staff probably should have gone over.

In 2026, Johnson will still be buried on the depth chart. He is behind Warren and Rico Dowdle, and it is going to be difficult to earn carries over either one of them. However, he was working in with the starters on third downs in practice.

Johnson was seen getting reps with the starting offense on third down, which is interesting. Usually third down backs are running backs that excel in the passing game and in pass protection. Pass protection was noted as one of Johnson's weaknesses in college and in training camp ahead of the 2025 season. Maybe he has improved dramatically, but the players have not put any pads on yet so it is hard to tell.

Johnson is fighting for a spot in the running back rotation, and he also could be fighting for a roster spot in general. Warren and Dowdle are locks as the first and second running backs, but the third running back on the depth chart is going to have to be able to contribute in other areas while being able to do multiple things well out of the backfield. Johnson will need to prove that he can be a factor on special teams, that way the coaching staff can justify putting him on the final roster.

He was a third round pick just last year, so cutting him would be harsh. But there is a chance the franchise could try to stash him on the practice squad, but even that seems unlikely. He needs to continue to have a good camp to prove he belongs on the final roster.

Steelers Have Some Competition For Johnson

Aside from Warren and Dowdle, Johnson does have significant competition at the running back spot. The organization signed Travis Homer in free agency, and he has already made a name for himself as a special teams ace in the NFL. Aside from the veteran, the team also drafted Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

He has become a fan favorite, and he is also versatile. He is listed as a running back and a wide receiver and he played both well in college. He can also field kicks and punts, so Johnson is going to have his work cut out for him throughout training camp.

What do you think the final running back room looks like? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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