Steelers' Mike McCarthy Sends A Strong Message To Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently completed their first 2026 preseason game with a 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Fans finally got to see the new-look Steelers in action; this time, against different colors. The starters clearly had some rust to shake off, but the rest of the team had a solid outing. Preseason is the time for the best guys to get a rhythm going and for the backups to showcase what they can do. For Pittsburgh, they had some standouts in the bout: Lew Nichols, Germie Bernard, and Jamin Davis. 

With all of the potential breakouts, there are still some who seek glory. The team's 2025 third-round pick, Kaleb Johnson, did not see his first snap until the second half of the game. Johnson was seventh in the FBS in rushing in 2024 and landed with Pittsburgh at the 83rd overall pick. His ability to make one cut and burst made him an excellent fit for Arthur Smith's wide-zone-heavy run scheme. Unfortunately, things didn't shake out as hoped.

When Mike McCarthy took over, one of the big concerns across Steeler Nation was about what would happen with Johnson and his development. So far, he appears to be battling for a roster spot thanks to the signings of Rico Dowdle and Travis Homer. Johnson has shown that his skill set doesn't extend beyond running back, making special teams an unlikely option for the former third-round pick and putting his roster spot in major jeopardy.

Recently, team insider Christopher Carter of the Post-Gazette reported via his X account what McCarthy had to say on the potential upcoming roster decisions—saying that he wants players who can play both offense and special teams. He's sticking to his guns about prioritizing versatility over exclusivity. 

"I don't like to keep a guy who's just on special teams or just offense. You need as many players who can play on all four downs," McCarthy said. 

Carter also noted that McCarthy believes Homer could be one of the men who can play all four downs. Homer's value comes as a third-down receiving back who is an excellent blocker, something Johnson struggles with mightily. There are still two preseason games for Johnson to prove himself as a worthy member of the organization's roster, but if this trajectory continues, he will be chalked down as another failed third-round pick by the Steelers. 

Johnson isn't the only player who has an exclusive skill set this camp. Rookies Kaden Wetjen and Eli Heidenreich have not seen much action outside of special teams. Wetjen's stock is on the rise after his 74-yard catch and run in the preseason opener, but he still has much more to prove. Heidenriech carried the ball nine times for just 21 yards, all of which were in the second half against the opposing team's chopping block. 

Wetjen, a fourth-round pick in the most recent NFL Draft, will more than likely lock down a roster spot given the pick used to acquire him. Heidenreich, on the other hand, is not so lucky, being a seventh-round pick and very well could be a cut casualty. The rest of August will determine his future.

Steelers Should Keep Both Wetjen And Heidenreich

Omar Khan made 10 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it's rare for an organization to keep that many rookies. They drafted Wetjen as a return specialist with offensive upside, and have him listed as the starting punt/kick returner. Heidenreich, on the other hand, was listed as the sixth running back on the depth chart. He can bring special teams value next to Wetjen as a kickoff returner, giving Jaylen Warren and Dowdle more rest. 

Both Wetjen and Heidenreich provide more value to the team than Johnson does, making him the odd man out. Keeping both players lets the starting running backs limit wear and tear of the long season and stay on the field. 

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