The Pittsburgh Steelers lost former Pro Bowl running back Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers during free agency in March.
Less than two months later, the Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to help make up for the loss.
Johnson won’t be a direct replacement for Harris, as he joins a crowded backfield with fourth-year holdover Jaylen Warren, as well as newcomers Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon. Johnson is expected to get touches though, as he is currently listed as the backup to Warren.
The Iowa product had a team-high eight carries which produced 20 scoreless yards during Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, adding one reception for six yards on two targets.
Johnson earned a C+ from NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter, who graded 16 rookies from the first week of preseason contests.
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“Johnson could complement Aaron Rodgers’ passing attack in the Steelers’ offense this season. His jump-cuts behind zone blocking helped him get outside on multiple runs,” Reuter wrote. “He was not particularly explosive or elusive against the Jaguars, falling to a shoestring tackle on his first attempt and later getting cut down on a fourth-and-1 by a free defensive back. Johnson ran with some power, though, keeping his shoulders low and square to pick up a third-and-4 and later earning a first down on three tough carries. The third-round pick stepped up to stop a blind-side blitz on the team’s second touchdown, but he dropped one of his pass targets, trying to run before securing the ball.”
Based on usage from his preseason debut, it looks like Johnson will certainly have an opportunity to carve out a significant role in the Steelers’ backfield this fall.
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