Third-round rookie running back Kaleb Johnson barely saw the field in the Pittsburgh Steelers' trip across the pond. While that's been par for the course thus far early in his NFL career, it's especially noteworthy because starter Jaylen Warren was a surprise inactive.
When will Johnson earn consistent playing time in the rotation if not when Warren is out of the lineup? Moreover, the jet lag of a five-hour time difference from Pittsburgh to Dublin, Ireland, certainly would've justified a committee approach. Yet, veteran Kenneth Gainwell dominated the Steelers' backfield in the team's 24-21 International Series win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Gainwell accounted for 19 of Pittsburgh's 29 rushing attempts, counting quarterback Aaron Rodgers' victory formation kneel-down. The 26-year-old was the focal point of the Steelers' offense, also leading them in targets and receptions with six. In fairness to him and the Pittsburgh, the game plan worked, considering he generated 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, though it hardly involved Johnson.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson wasn't a factor without Jaylen Warren
However, Johnson's lack of involvement is the more glaring takeaway here. Clearly, he's far from Rodgers and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's circle of trust. It's nowhere near the comparisons drawn to former first-round Pittsburgh bell-cow Najee Harris and is an alarmingly concerning development for the Black and Gold.
Quite literally, Gainwell never handled a workload like this entering Week 4. He tied his previous single-game high in catches while shattering a previous best of 14 totes in a contest. A typical change-of-pace option taking on an uncharacteristic 25-touch workhorse role sans Warren is a blatant lack of faith in Johnson.
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There was a lot of buzz surrounding Johnson as an ideal and seamless replacement for Harris, who jettisoned in free agency this past offseason. Pittsburgh thought they had their next bruiser capable of jumping in and instantly providing significant contributions. Nevertheless, the Steelers' actions at Croke Park suggest we've come a long way between then and now.
Johnson saw his snap count increase from four across two appearances to 11, with a healthy scratch sandwiched between. He turned six carries into 22 scoreless yards and failed to haul in the lone pass thrown his way against the Vikings. The 2024 All-American tailback's collegiate success has yet to translate to the pros, partly because the Steelers aren't ready to unleash him.