Kaleb Johnson is entering his second NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and faces significant pressure to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Drafted as a third-round pick, Johnson struggled last season after a critical mistake on a kick return limited his opportunities. Currently, he trails behind running backs Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, while competing with other backs for the RB3 role. Steelers reporter Jeff Hathhorn emphasized that Johnson must demonstrate special teams capability to enhance his chances of making the team.

By the Numbers
  • Johnson had no carries after a kick return error that cost him the starting role.
  • Compared to his rivals, he lacked special teams experience, with Travis Homer excelling in that aspect.
State of Play
  • Johnson is currently competing against backs like Eli Heidenreich and Lew Nichols, both noted for their special teams play.
  • He is getting opportunities in kick return lines during training camp, but faces strong competition from newly drafted Kaden Wetjen.
What's Next

If Johnson can elevate his performance during the preseason, he could solidify his position on the roster. His ability to showcase improvement will be key, especially with colleagues acknowledging his growth. However, if he falls short in special teams contributions, his future with the team is uncertain.

Bottom Line

Kaleb Johnson鈥檚 path to retaining his position lies in demonstrating versatility beyond the running back role, particularly by excelling at special teams. With heightened competition and a challenging rookie season behind him, his next moves will be critical for his NFL career.