I didn’t expect a year ago to need to write an article stating the case for Kaleb Johnson to make the roster ahead of his second season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson had a brutal start to his NFL career. A botched kickoff return in Week 2 landed him in the doghouse, and he failed to capitalize on his limited opportunities on offense. Johnson finished his rookie season with just 28 carries for 69 yards and one reception, dropping his only other target of the season.
It wasn’t pretty, and now Johnson’s roster spot looks tenuous entering Year 2. The Steelers drafted Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round and signed Travis Homer, though Homer’s role will largely be on special teams. But barring a terrible training camp and preseason, I think Johnson should make the Steelers roster.
The reasoning is fairly simple. Rico Dowdle, signed this offseason, has been banged up throughout his career. He played through a quad injury late last season and has a history of ankle injuries.
Jaylen Warren has been durable throughout his career, but if one of Dowdle or Warren has to miss time, especially with a multi-week injury, another running back is going to be needed.
Homer isn’t going to be the answer on offense. He only has 90 carries in his career and just seven since 2023. Heidenreich could be, but the draw is his versatile skillset, and it’s too early for me to be totally comfortable with him getting significant work if the situation called for it.
Johnson at least has a year in the league. He’s drawn some praise from the new coaching staff and is committing himself to getting better in multiple areas, including as a pass protector.
He has to prove it. The job shouldn’t just be handed to him. But Johnson was impressive last year in training camp, and I really think he can hold his own despite his poor rookie season.
The Week 2 gaffe very well could’ve led to him losing some confidence. He shouldn’t be called upon for a big role early in the season with Dowdle and Warren leading the backfield, but the nature of the NFL means one of them very well could get banged up this year. Having someone like Johnson able to take the load off or help replace them if one misses time is important.
Come training camp, maybe Heidenreich will prove he’s capable of doing so. But as things stand right now, I think Johnson is the best option and should be Pittsburgh’s RB3 for Week 1.
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