Much has been said about the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 third-round pick this offseason. After being a high selection in the draft, Kaleb Johnson had high expectations heading into offseason workouts and training camp.
Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin praised Johnson, stating that he came into camp in good shape and showed that he has skills.
During the first preseason game, Johnson showed his explosiveness, even stiff-arming 2025 first overall pick Travis Hunter.
Johnson was more crisp in his second game, leading the Steelers in rushing yards with 50 and in carries with 11.
KJ has improved every week, leading the Steelers in carries for two of the three weeks of the preseason.
The Steelers took on the Carolina Panthers in their final preseason game, as Johnson and other younger players or fringe roster players had their final opportunity to move up the depth chart.
The Steelers spread the carries around, but Johnson led the backfield in carries (5) and was second in rushing yards (24).
Johnson ended the preseason on a high note and was one of the best rookie running backs during the preseason.
Kaleb Johnson's preseason is complete:
— PFF Fantasy (@PFF_Fantasy) August 22, 2025
🟡 94 Yards
🟡 73 Yards After Contact
🟡 6 Rushes for First Down
🟡 8 Missed Tackles Forced pic.twitter.com/3rPiqanhym
Johnson was a force on the ground after contact, racking up 74 yards, and showed his elusiveness with eight missed tackles forced.
Johnson showed all of the traits that enticed the Steelers to draft him in the third round, and he will continue to push for carries next season.
Jaylen Warren is the projected week one starter in the Pittsburgh backfield, but Johnson's strong preseason showed that he is ready to push Warren for more carries.