NFL writer says Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson in 'now-or-never' situation
· Yahoo Sports
When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he was supposed to be the guy to replace Najee Harris. This didn't happen and thanks to a breakout campaign from Kenneth Gainwell, Johnson was lost on the depth chart.
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Now, with Gainwell gone as well as Mike Tomlin, Johnson heads into Week Two with a new lease on life and a clean slate. NFL writer Justin Melo highlighted Johnson as one of the season-year guys from last year's third round who is on thin ice.
Here's what he had to say about Johnson's situation in Pittsburgh:
He's getting a fresh start under new head coach Mike McCarthy, but the Steelers also signed overachiever Rico Dowdle in free agency, and pass-catching specialist Jaylen Warren is still around. Johnson is entering a critical OTAs and training camp period. It's now-or-never as a sophomore running back under a new offensive staff.
The biggest thing working against Johnson this season is that Dowdle and Warren are established NFL vets who fit McCarthy's system and both are only 27 years old. But if the reports are true that Johnson is having a strong offseason, especially as a receiver and pass protector, it will go a long way toward earning a spot in the rotation under McCarthy.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: NFL writer says Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson in 'now-or-never' situation