Former Hawkeye running back Kaleb Johnson has high expectations heading into his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers selected Johnson as the No. 83 overall pick in the third round of this year's draft, taking a chance on the former Iowa star instead of drafting a quarterback.
Johnson entered training camp in great shape and impressed Head Coach Mike Tomlin with his fitness and preparedness as camp progressed.
Ahead of the Steelers' first preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnson found himself at third-string on the depth chart, lower than he was expected to be.
Despite his lower-than-expected spot on the depth chart, he showed flashes of his ability in the first game against the Jaguars, rushing for 20 yards on eight carries, and stiff-arming first overall pick Travis Hunter.
Johnson had a solid game, but was aiming to improve and move up the depth chart in game two of the preseason.
He got the start in game two, and made the most of his opportunity.
Good look at the 14-yard run from #Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) August 17, 2025
Presses the LOS well, getting defense to flow. GREAT backside cut block from Connor Heyward, opening up the cutback lane.
Johnson does the rest. pic.twitter.com/bKtiQImV41
On his longest run of the day, Johnson made a nice cutback and hit the hole quickly for 14 yards. He showed burst and strength as he hit the hole and ran over a Buccaneers' defender.
In the 17-14 loss to the Buccaneers, Johnson led the team in carries (11) and rushing yards (50), showing how valuable he can be in the Pittsburgh backfield.
KJ made some improvements between week one and two, slowing the game down and waiting for the gaps to open up and hitting them quickly.
Jaylen Warren is the projected starter at running back, but as Kaleb continues to improve, he will move up the depth chart and fight Warren for some carries in the Pittsburgh backfield.