The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a tough decision regarding rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. The team selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with hopes he could take over the starting running back role after the departure of Najee Harris.
Third-round picks are premium selections in the NFL Draft and ones that teams cannot miss on. However, Johnson has yet to return value over the first three games of his NFL career. While he has not been given much of an opportunity on offense, he was the Steelers’ kick returner to begin the season.
But one debacle cost him that spot, and many people are wondering if the team will give him another chance to play this season.
Kaleb Johnson’s Kick Return Error Cost Him Playing Time
It was during their Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks when Johnson made a costly blunder on the kickoff. The ball hit the landing zone and then rolled into the end zone, where Johnson thought it would be a touchback. However, the new rules state that it is a live ball, and as Johnson ran to the sideline, the Seahawks ran down and picked up the ball for a touchdown. Here is a view of the play courtesy of Ari Meirov.
Oh no. #Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson appeared unaware of the new kickoff rules — and the #Seahawks took full advantage.
Result: an absolute gift of a TD.pic.twitter.com/fePBAHKjnf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2025
The very next week, Johnson was a healthy scratch, and it remains to be seen when he will be active again. Johnson was seen by many as one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. It is far too early to give up on him as a player, and the Steelers would be wise to continue to develop him.
Johnson is a Potential Option for Week 4
While it has not been said if Johnson will be active for the Steelers’ Week 4 game, the state of their running back room could present an opportunity. The Steelers’ starting running back, Jaylen Warren, popped up on the injury report and is now questionable for Sunday.
If Warren were unable to play, that would likely mean Johnson is active and could even see some carries at running back. It is not difficult for rookies who struggle early in their careers to lose confidence. However, Johnson remains the same player the Steelers drafted in the third round, and his future in the league is still bright, despite a rocky start.
