Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson still needs to develop in pass protection and as a receiver, according to Steelers Beat Writer Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fittipaldo stated that the Steelers don’t trust Johnson in those aspects yet. HC Mike Tomlin has also called Johnson out by name as a player he is watching in the second preseason game.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “There’s no way the Steelers are going to trust Kaleb Johnson to pass protect or catch the ball out of the backfield.”
HC Mike Tomlin: “I just want to see him trust himself more. I want to see him play more instinctively, trust his talents. And that’s reasonable to expect between the first experience and the second experience.”
Johnson brings excitement as a third-round pick on a Steelers team looking to replace RB Najee Harris, but he remains behind RB Jaylen Warren in the pecking order.
Newly acquired RB Kenneth Gainwell could also carve out a role, limiting Johnson’s early-season impact. HC Mike Tomlin has called out Johnson by name multiple times this week, looking for a strong showing in the second preseason game.
There’s still time for him to impress and earn a bigger role, but he’s more likely to open the year as the third RB than at the top of the depth chart. Johnson could still become relevant late in the season, but early expectations should be tempered.
Warren comes out the big winner as he appears locked in to the starting role, at least for the start of the season. If Warren stays healthy and impresses, he could fend off Johnson as the top back for most of the year.
Gainwell could earn some third-down snaps as a receiver as well.
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