There was another bit of Pittsburgh Steelers news on Monday, October 6, as ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the team is “signing” veteran running back Raheem Blackshear ahead of Week 6.
This will be a practice squad signing, per Schefter, and the insider also noted Blackshear’s specific expertise as a kick returner.
Pittsburgh has tried out a few different running backs on kick returns in 2025, starting with rookie Kaleb Johnson. That experiment didn’t go very well, however, as Johnson coughed up a crucial fumble and only averaged 23.8 yards per return.
Veterans Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon have chipped in for slightly better averages of 25.8 and 25.5 yards, respectively, but Gainwell has become a big part of the offense, and Sermon only has one practice squad elevation remaining.
For this reason, don’t be surprised if we see Blackshear elevated from the practice squad in a couple of weeks. With the Carolina Panthers, Blackshear averaged 26.3 yards per kick return from 2022 through 2024.
As an added bonus, Blackshear also has some experience returning punts, with 23 career returns for an average of 8.7 yards and a 21-yard long. This could be helpful as wide receiver and punt returner Calvin Austin III works his way back from injury.
Blackshear was the second Steelers practice squad signing on Monday, October 6, and there was also a key injury update on cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and edge rusher Alex Highsmith.
Will Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell Push Jaylen Warren for Snaps After Breakout Performance?
With Jaylen Warren out of the lineup in Ireland, it was Gainwell — not Johnson — who stole the show unexpectedly, rushing for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries. He also caught all 6 of his targets for 35 yards.
Needless to say, Gainwell’s breakout outing begs the question: Will the Steelers begin to work Gainwell into the offense more alongside Warren? The answer to that question is unclear, but we’ll get our first look at offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s running back plan in Week 6.
Pittsburgh had not gotten a lot from its run game prior to Week 4. Even after Gainwell’s performance, the Steelers only average 80.0 rushing yards per game over their first four outings. That currently ranks second-to-last in the entire NFL.
A case could be made that Gainwell deserves more usage.
Kaleb Johnson Could Be Inactive in Week 6 as Steelers Face Browns in Week 6
Johnson has been the big story this season. In typical Mike Tomlin fashion, the Steelers head coach has taken things very slow with the rookie.
The Iowa star and third-round selection did get some work behind Gainwill overseas, but that’s not expected to continue with Warren back at practice on Monday, October 6.
In fact, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if the promising youngster was inactive this week.
It’s not that Johnson has not looked the part, but he is still learning the NFL game compared to college. That includes things like pass protecting on throwing downs and handling/securing the football with care.
Johnson was 6 for 22 (3.7 yards per carry) against the Vikings, so it’s more likely the rookie is inactive in Week 6 than getting more usage. After all, Gainwell and Warren have simply been the better backs so far.
There’s no denying that, but that doesn’t mean Johnson won’t eventually surge past the two veterans as the season progresses.
Steelers ‘Signing’ New Running Back With Specific Expertise: Report