Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson
Player: RB Kaleb Johnson
Stock Value: Down
Reasoning: Despite playing more in the Steelers’ second preseason game, Kaleb Johnson did not separate himself from the pack. In fact, he did not distinguish himself at all—and was a non-presence on special teams. At the moment, it may be more likely the team carries just two running backs before they carry him.
Mike McCarthy did not draft Kaleb Johnson, but at this rate, would even Mike Tomlin keep him on the roster? A 2025 third-round pick, he has yet to distinguish himself in the NFL—even in a practice. While not actively bad, he does not appear to offer anything a college free agent could.
And given that the Steelers don’t seem to view him as a special teams contributor, it’s hard to see where Johnson fits. If they were to keep any running back for special teams, it would be Travis Homer, who has made a career out of that phase of the game. And if they want to keep a third back who is a hard runner, Lew Nichols might be the better choice. Then there’s Eli Heidenreich, who has untapped potential and special teams capability.
And given how little Johnson has shown since entering the NFL, I don’t think we can even say with confidence that the Steelers can’t sneak him onto the practice squad. Yes, he came into the league in the third round, but why would any team want to put him on their 53-man roster right now? Odds are there will be better running backs hitting the waiver wire. Or if not better, at least running backs who have shown more.
The Steelers have Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle at the top of their running back depth chart. If they stay healthy, it was never likely that Kaleb Johnson would see the field much at all, anyway. And if he isn’t going to contribute on special teams, he could be a healthy scratch.
I’m sure Pittsburgh would consider keeping Johnson on the practice squad, especially if they only carry two running backs on the 53-man roster. But despite his pedigree, he hasn’t justified a position on Sundays. After rushing for 39 yards on 10 carries, with a long of 5, and 2 catches for 15 yards, he has a chance to showcase himself. And all we saw was…meh.
With the 2026 training camp here and many moves made, we have stock to take. Already promisinga year of change, the Steelers have shaken things up. That is unavoidable, of course, when you gut the coaching staff. Mike Tomlin’s resignation has fundamentally changed this football team, including the players on the roster.
After a long season, the Steelers showed the ability to win the division and make the playoffs. But they also showed that their progress was minimal,since they made it no further. Two years in a row, with two different quarterbacks, they went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card Round. The only differences are they ended the season on a higher note and won the AFC North. But it didn’t help.