Steelers’ Run Game Struggles Highlight Uncertain Future for Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson
Coming into the 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a clear challenge: how to replace the steady production of Najee Harris. Say what you will about Harris not quite living up to his first-round billing, but over four seasons, he was a reliable workhorse. With Harris no longer in the picture, the Steelers had to figure out how to fill that void in the backfield.
Jaylen Warren, who earned an extension this offseason, has carved out a solid role as a change-of-pace back. He’s explosive, shifty, and thrives in space - but he's never been the kind of back you lean on for 20 carries a game.
To complement Warren and potentially take over the lead role, Pittsburgh turned to the draft, selecting Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. On paper, the fit made sense.
Johnson was one of the top wide-zone runners in college football last year - a natural match for Arthur Smith’s run-heavy, zone-based offense.
But here’s the thing: Johnson hasn’t been part of the equation at all.
Instead, it’s been a combination of Warren and surprise contributor Kenneth Gainwell leading the Steelers’ ground game - and even calling it a “ground game” might be generous. Pittsburgh ranks 28th in both total rushing yards and yards per carry.
This isn’t just a case of a rookie waiting his turn behind a dominant backfield. The Steelers need help running the ball, and yet Johnson has barely touched the field.
Through the season so far, Johnson has just 28 carries for 70 yards - an average of 2.5 yards per attempt. He hasn’t had more than six carries in a single game.
In some weeks, he’s been inactive altogether. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a rookie who was expected to be part of the solution, not a non-factor.
What makes it more puzzling is how well Johnson projected into this offense. Coming out of Iowa, he was known for his vision and one-cut ability in wide-zone schemes - the exact traits Arthur Smith’s system is built to maximize.
It’s not like the Steelers are loaded at the position, either. Gainwell has been a pleasant surprise, but the overall results haven’t been there.
The run game is stuck in neutral, and the offense as a whole has struggled to find rhythm.
So why isn’t Johnson getting a shot?
There are a few possible answers. One is that head coach Mike Tomlin has historically been cautious with rookies - especially when it comes to handing them major roles early.
But that theory doesn’t hold up entirely. Warren, for example, played a meaningful role as an undrafted rookie just a few seasons ago.
If you can play, Tomlin usually finds a way to get you on the field.
Another possibility is that the coaching staff simply doesn’t trust Johnson yet - whether it’s in pass protection, ball security, or reading blocks at NFL speed. That’s not uncommon for rookie backs, but it raises a fair question about the evaluation process that led to drafting him in the first place.
And that brings us to general manager Omar Khan. Khan has made a number of savvy moves since taking over the front office, but this one - at least for now - looks shaky.
It’s still early, and Johnson’s career is far from written. But when a rookie running back can’t crack the rotation on a team desperate for rushing production, it’s hard not to wonder if something went sideways.
It’s possible the Steelers are playing the long game with Johnson, hoping he develops behind the scenes and takes a bigger role in year two. But running back isn’t usually a “wait and see” position. Most of the league’s best backs make an impact early, and when they don’t, it’s often because they’re not ready - or not the right fit.
Until Johnson gets a real opportunity, it’s impossible to say whether the issue lies with him or the team’s usage. But one thing is clear: the Steelers’ run game needs answers. And for now, the rookie they hoped could help provide them is still on the outside looking in.