Steelers’ Rookie Running Back Struggles in Season Opener

Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing questions about rookie running back Kaleb Johnson after a disappointing start to the season. In the team’s opener against the New York Jets on September 10, Johnson played only two offensive snaps and recorded a two-yard loss, raising concerns about his role in the offense.

Drafted in the third round from Iowa, Johnson was expected to be a key player in the backfield alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. However, Johnson’s limited involvement has surprised fans and analysts alike. Instead, the Steelers relied heavily on Gainwell, who received 7 carries for 19 yards and 3 receptions for 4 yards.

During the game, the Steelers ran the ball a total of 20 times, keeping their distribution among the backs quite clear. Warren led the carries, and it seems the coaching staff may not rush to give Johnson more opportunities this season.

Moreover, Johnson’s performance on special teams has been shaky. He fielded five kicks for 132 yards, averaging 26.4 yards per return, but fumbled during one attempt and had issues on others, which might explain why he hasn’t seen more action in the offensive lineup.

“It’s disappointing not to see him break tackles or show more versatility that we expected,” said sports analyst Alan Saunders. “As it stands, Warren and Gainwell are solidifying their roles, while Johnson is struggling to find his footing.”

Last season at Iowa, Johnson showcased his talent with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten. His current struggles to adapt to the NFL have raised eyebrows, leaving fans to wonder when he will start to make a significant impact.

Moving forward, the Steelers are likely to continue leaning on the more experienced Warren and Gainwell as they adjust to the offense under quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The team’s strategy appears to favor a two-tight end setup, which may further limit Johnson’s opportunities until he proves he can excel in this environment.

As the season progresses, Steelers fans will be watching closely to see if Johnson can turn his performance around and secure a more prominent role in the offense.