Week 4 of the season has the Pittsburgh Steelers playing in Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings. While both teams appear ready to play the game without some of their starters, it could complicate their efforts. The Steelers have a growing injury problem heading into this contest, with Jaylen Warren, Jonnu Smith, and Joey Porter Jr. listed as "questionable" for the game.
Warren is a potential massive loss as he has been turning a corner in recent weeks. He has been the only running back to produce much on offense. He has also been a fantastic weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. Without him potentially on the field against the Vikings, Pittsburgh's chances of a successful offense diminish further.
Things could get ugly without Warren.
Kenneth Gainwell has quickly become a player the coaching staff loves in the first three weeks of action, but he hasn't been too successful. They must take off their blinders and realize that Gainwell isn't a good enough running back to use on every down. Mike Tomlin and company might have no other choice but to pull Kaleb Johnson out of the doghouse and throw him into the fire.
Jaylen Warren's injury might force the Pittsburgh Steelers to promote Kaleb Johnson
After a rocky start to his rookie campaign, it was correct to shove Johnson out of the lineup. While he has remained active each week this season, he saw his chances sink. After his Week 2 kickoff debacle, where he allowed the Seattle Seahawks to score, he deserved what happened to him. Fans are not thrilled with how Johnson's tenure in Pittsburgh has progressed thus far.
READ MORE: These Steelers have failed to meet expectations through 3 weeks
He was heralded as a fantastic pick when he was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He wasn't envisioned as a project, but the Steelers have certainly treated him as such. They forced him into the kick returner role, but that was something the rookie only did sparingly at Iowa. That has backfired on the player and the team as it cost them the game against the Seahawks.
Warren has been off to a terrific start to the season, but many thought Johnson would gain snaps at the running back position as the campaign progressed.
The opposite is happening, but with Warren potentially out with a knee injury in Week 4, the coaches might have no other choice but to deploy Johnson. While the rookie shows promise as a runner, his overall performance has raised concerns among team decision-makers.
Tomlin is unhappy with Johnson after his special team's gaffe, but without Warren, the Steelers need a runner who can go an entire game. Gainwell will see significant snaps, but this is the opportunity Johnson has been starving for. He can get chances on offense, and he must take advantage of them. Even if Warren plays some this week, Johnson should get more snaps.