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Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on Kaleb Johnson
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about Kaleb Johnson.
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Insight ledger
All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about Kaleb Johnson
NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
Kaleb Johnson received 12 total offensive touches against the Jets compared to just two in Week 1 against Green Bay, showing increased workload in preseason Week 2. However, his lack of special teams usage remains a significant caveat for roster consideration, and his roster spot depends on whether the Steelers prefer him over reserve backs Lew Nichols or Travis Homer.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Iowa product received the most running back carries (10 for 39 yards) against the Jets but continues to show concerning lack of burst and tackle-breaking ability; unlike elite runway-dependent backs like Derrick Henry, Johnson hasn't demonstrated threatening top speed or the ability to break tackles, raising questions about his NFL fit despite receiving the most preseason work.NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
The source references Kaleb Johnson in the context of special teams performance expectations, noting that a rookie drafted primarily for special teams must impress even in small sample sizes, citing Johnson's performance against Seattle last year as an example of the standard expected.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson's playing time and snap count in preseason Week 2 are in question; if he does not see more carries and snaps this week, it seemingly indicates his time in Pittsburgh may be coming to an abrupt end, suggesting roster uncertainty.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick, looked fine during his eight snaps against Green Bay but received significantly fewer offensive reps, carries, and special teams snaps than other RB3 contenders. Despite a fresh start under new coaching staff in 2026, Johnson has struggled to stand out from the team's depth at running back. The source suggests the rest of the preseason might be essential for Johnson's chances at salvaging his career in Pittsburgh.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Johnson had zero offensive snaps in the first 30 minutes and finished with just two carries for three yards in the preseason opener. The source notes that Travis Homer took first-team reps and Lew Nichols rotated in with meaningful carries, placing Johnson at RB5 in the rotation when accounting for inactive Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren. The source emphasizes the significance of this lack of playing time given Johnson's disappointing rookie season (28 carries, 69 yards) and states: 'The Steelers told you without saying a word how they feel about the former third-round pick.' The source concludes: 'it looks like a forgone conclusion that he won't be on the roster come September' and recommends the team trade him for draft capital.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
The former third-round pick entered the game after both Travis Homer and Lew Nichols but only saw two carries, seven fewer than recent seventh-rounder Eli Heidenreich. Johnson hardly received any chances to make a case for himself in the preseason opener, making it hard to be optimistic about his Steelers future at this point, although his career is still very young.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Running back was the third Steelers RB to get a touch, turning two carries into just three yards—the least touches by any Steelers RB in the contest. The reality is that Johnson is not involved in the offense, and it is starting to seem like the Steelers don't have plans for him in their future, raising serious questions about his role going forward.NegativeDepth ChartAug 6, 2026
Running back's roster spot appears in jeopardy; Travis Homer and Lew Nichols continue to get second and third-team reps at the same rate or higher than Johnson, and the source does not see a spot for him on the roster.PositiveUsageAug 4, 2026
The second-year running back had the best single run of any of the RB3 candidates (Johnson, Eli Heidenreich, and Lew Nichols) during a physical practice that emphasized the run game. On a toss play with Max Iheanachor blocking, Johnson picked up nearly 20 yards before being touched. The source notes the Steelers have thrown Johnson and the other RB3 candidates into reps pretty evenly throughout camp thus far, but Johnson's performance on this day stood out.NegativeDepth ChartAug 1, 2026
Johnson's depth chart standing took a hit on Saturday when Lew Nichols took reps with the first-team offense, including the entirety of the two-minute drill. This is not a positive sign for Johnson as the Steelers continue the battle for the RB3 spot.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Despite being a former third-round pick—a significant investment—Johnson's career has not gotten off to the start he likely envisioned. He never really seemed to get his rookie season off the ground; put into an unfamiliar special teams role, Johnson's gaffe cost the Steelers an early-season game against the Seahawks and himself his job as kick returner. With veteran Jaylen Warren the established starter on offense and Rodgers' favorite Kenneth Gainwell assuming the primary backup and pass-catching duties at running back, Johnson often found himself a gameday inactive. While selected by general manager Omar Khan, Johnson is a Mike Tomlin guy, and McCarthy and his staff don't have any extra incentive to give him the benefit of the doubt if he is unimpressive this summer. The pressure is undoubtedly increasing for Johnson to leave a lasting impression and earn a larger role.