The Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp soon, and quite a few positions are up for grabs. While not as wide-open a battle as some other positions, running back features a few notable names fighting for only one or two spots.
Arguably the biggest name fighting for his roster spot is 2025 third round pick Kaleb Johnson.
The former Iowa Hawkeye had a tough first season in the NFL. Drafted to be a core member of the offense, he barely saw the field as a rookie. The hope was that he could adapt to a role on special teams in the meantime, but that was nothing short of a disaster.
Heading into year two, it is easy to assume that he will make the roster based on merit alone. However, the more you dig into the situation, the worse it gets for Johnson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may struggle to find a roster spot for Kaleb Johnson
Despite the questions surrounding Johnson entering year two, the Steelers have one of the better running back tandems on paper in the NFL. While no one will mistake Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle for elite backs, they are both productive backs who complement each other well.
More importantly for Johnson, both backs figure to take on the lion’s share of the offensive snaps. If both stay healthy, there isn’t room for a third offensive piece.
This means Johnson is locked into, at best, a third running back role with no opportunity for significant snaps. If he wants to be an active member of the team, it will have to come on special teams.
Unfortunately, there are better options for that role. Travis Homer is known for his special teams ability and can be a valuable addition to the team there. Eli Heidenreich is expected to be a solid special teams player with offensive upside.
Not only does Johnson need to prove he can contribute on special teams, but it has to be enough to warrant him making the team over better options there.
Unless he looks like a different running back in year two, it is hard to see him making himself uncuttable as an offensive player. Unless he revamps himself as an asset on special teams, his road to making the team will be extremely narrow.
Perhaps his best shot is for the Steelers to carry four running backs. One of the better special teams fits could make the team and have a role while Johnson is kept, with the hopes of him developing into the player they thought he would be.
While Johnson has been a popular name to stick around on the active roster, the more you dig into this situation, the less you should like his chances. He needs to do a complete 180 if he hopes to make the team this summer.
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