Steelers fringe running back impressing at OTAs
The Steelers could see a big Year Two jump from their running back.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quietly have a very good running back room. While they won’t get the mass attention of Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson, Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are the only duo in the NFL t0 have both rushed for 1,000 yards in 2025. Because of the one-two punch Pittsburgh has in its backfield, you’d be forgiven to forget about 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson.
The Iowa product was seldom used as a rookie, with the lowlight of his first NFL campaign being a fumble on a kick return that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Despite a lackluster first year, Johnson has been getting real work in during OTAs, even taking first-team reps. Jim Wexell of the Steel City Insider podcast noted that Johnson has looked “all business” as he begins his second season.
“Kaleb Johnson has gotten first-team reps, and he looks like he’s been all business,” Wexell said . “He looks like a guy who wants to make amends… As a rookie, he could not pick up blitzes, and his pass-catching looks a lot better, I will tell you that. ” While Dowdle and Warren will certainly be the top two backs, Johnson can establish a role for himself in the offense with a strong showing this summer.
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