When will the Steelers get Kaleb Johnson involved in the offense?
First of all, allow me to express my condolences to all of you who have not been raptured. I hear that was supposed to happen today. I guess I didn’t make the cut, either. But now to business…
Although Kaleb Johnson dressed for the Steelers’ game Sunday, he did not play—so when will he start playing a meaningful role? Obviously, the answer begins with him earning a role, and thus far, he has not done that, nor come close. But neither Jaylen Warren nor Kenneth Gainwell is a bell-cow back, and the Steelers have reps to spare.
The Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson thinking he would fit Arthur Smith’s offense like a glove. So far, though, they have barely given him any work on offense. Presumably, they haven’t seen what they want in practice to trust he is ready. He only has two touches on offense, and to be fair, he didn’t exactly look encouraging either time.
After a very costly gaffe on special teams in Week 2, HC Mike Tomlin took Johnson off kick return duties. Although he gave the rookie a helmet on Sunday, Johnson didn’t see a single snap. Warren played most of the game, with Gainwell mixed in. Even Trey Sermon, called up from the practice squad, played three snaps on special teams.
I will say some people are being much too harsh on Johnson, specifically in regard to making long-term conclusions about his future. Obviously, he hasn’t gotten his career off on the right foot, but that’s hardly predictive of his entire career.
I imagine Tomlin chose not to play Kaleb Johnson this past game as much for Johnson’s own sake as for the team’s. After his awful gaffe, he could use a reset. With the Steelers having a bye week after next Sunday’s Ireland game perhaps they’re planning to wait at least one more game.
Mind you, the Steelers can elevate Sermon from the practice squad two more times. And the fact that Johnson dressed is likely as much about the number of injuries they had as anything else. But it sure would be useful if the Steelers had even half of the Kaleb Johnson they thought they were drafting.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The 2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
