Kaleb Johnson: Everything you need to know

Johnson recorded 28 carries for 69 yards while securing one of two targets for nine yards over 10 appearances during the 2025 regular season. Although Johnson was a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, playing time was hard to come by during his rookie year, as he played double-digit offensive snaps in just one game. He was also a healthy scratch for the final three weeks of the regular season. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell served as the Steelers' clear top running backs throughout the year. Johnson could have a chance to compete for more work in 2026 if Gainwell -- who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason -- heads elsewhere. Even if Gainwell plays for another team next year, Johnson could face an uphill battle for playing time as long as Warren remains in Pittsburgh.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Ravens. Johnson will be a healthy scratch for the third straight week to end the regular season. The Steelers will operate with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell as their two options in the backfield versus Baltimore.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns. Johnson finds himself a healthy scratch yet again. The Steelers have elected to ride with just two active running backs yet again, relying on Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. It seems that Johnson has been fully phased out, and he may remain a game-day scratch for the rest of the season.