Steelers’ Rookies Eye Week 18 Showcase as Division Title Looms
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the brink of locking up the AFC North, and depending on how things shake out this weekend, that clinch could come early. If the Ravens fall to the Packers on Saturday, Pittsburgh would secure the division before even taking the field. But regardless of how Saturday plays out, the Steelers can punch their playoff ticket outright with a win over the Browns.
That looming possibility creates a fascinating scenario for Week 18. If the division is wrapped up by the end of this weekend, the final regular-season game becomes less about seeding and more about evaluation - and that’s where two Steelers rookies, Kaleb Johnson and Will Howard, come into the picture in a big way.
Week 18 Could Be a Proving Ground
Let’s be clear: even if Pittsburgh clinches early, the starters will likely take the field in Week 17. But if the result of the Browns game doesn’t impact the playoff picture, Week 18 becomes a golden opportunity for some of the younger guys to get meaningful reps - and few need that more than Johnson and Howard.
Kaleb Johnson: A Chance to Reclaim the Narrative
Johnson’s rookie season hasn’t gone according to plan. Drafted in the third round, the expectation was that he’d at least carve out a complementary role alongside Jaylen Warren - maybe even push for lead-back duties as the season progressed.
Instead, his impact has been minimal. Through 16 weeks, he’s logged just 28 carries for 69 yards and has struggled to make a mark on special teams.
That’s not the kind of rookie year you want from a Day 2 pick, but Week 18 could offer a chance to flip the script. If the Steelers have the luxury to rest their starters, Johnson could see a heavy workload - 20 to 25 carries wouldn’t be out of the question. That kind of volume would not only help his development but also give Pittsburgh a clearer picture of what they have heading into 2026.
This isn’t just about stats - it’s about confidence, rhythm, and showing the coaching staff he belongs. A strong finish could put him right back in the mix for a larger role next season.
Will Howard: A Glimpse of What Could Be
Howard’s situation is a little different. The sixth-round pick has spent most of the year on injured reserve and, since returning, has only been active as the emergency third quarterback. Still, he’s generated some buzz among fans, thanks in part to his college tape and flashes in the preseason.
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves - Howard isn’t being groomed as the next franchise quarterback just yet. But with the Steelers doing their homework on the 2026 quarterback class and their draft position likely landing in the 20s, the top names may be out of reach. That makes internal options like Howard all the more intriguing.
If he gets the start in Week 18, it’s a chance to see him operate in a live NFL environment. Even a solid showing - poise in the pocket, command of the offense, smart decisions - could earn him a longer look heading into next season. Especially with Aaron Rodgers expected to return in 2026, having a developmental QB behind him who’s seen real game action would be a valuable asset.
But the Steelers can’t go into next year with Howard as the primary backup if he’s never taken a regular-season snap. Week 18 could change that.
High Stakes for Two Young Careers
For both Johnson and Howard, the path to relevance in 2026 may well begin in the final game of 2025. If the Steelers clinch the division this weekend, those snaps become available - and both players should be ready to take full advantage.
Johnson can remind everyone why he was a third-round pick. Howard can show the traits that made him a standout at Ohio State. Neither has had the rookie season they envisioned, but Week 18 offers a rare second chance - and in the NFL, those don’t come around often.
So while the spotlight this week is on the playoff picture, don’t overlook what’s brewing just behind it. For two Steelers rookies, the final game of the regular season might be their most important yet.