Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson played just two offensive snaps in each of the first two games of his NFL career. But on Sunday against the New England Patriots, Johnson might not play at all.
That’s what a Saturday roster move appears to indicate. A day before their Week 3 matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced elevating veteran practice squad running back Trey Sermon for the Patriots showdown.
The Steelers made several roster moves on Saturday, including elevating running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium,” Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley wrote. “He will revert back to the practice squad after the game.”
With Sermon, the Steelers have four running backs available for Week 3. It’s unlikely Sermon’s elevation will change the roles for either Jaylen Warren or Kenneth Gainwell.
That means Johnson could be the odd-man out for Week 3.
The Steelers drafted Johnson at No. 83 overall during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He rushed for minus-1 yard on two attempts in his first two games.
Johnson also returned kickoffs for the Steelers during the first two weeks of 2025. In Week 2, Johnson muffed a kickoff that the Seattle Seahawks recovered for a touchdown.
In another roster move Saturday, the Steelers placed guard Max Scharping on injured reserve.
That transaction doesn’t come as a surprise. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Scharping suffered a serious knee injury during practice.
Steelers Elevate Trey Sermon for Week 3
With Scharping landing on injured reserve, the Steelers had an open spot on their 53-man roster Saturday. But the team still elected to elevate Sermon from the practice squad rather than sign him to the active roster.
After Week 3, Sermon will only have two practice squad elevations remaining this season. But with the elevation for Sunday’s game, Sermon can go back to the team’s practice squad without needing to clear waivers.
It’s possible that if he performs well Sunday that the Steelers sign Sermon to the active roster early next week.
Sermon has the versatility to play a few different roles for the Steelers against the Patriots.
Trey Sermon probably replaces Kaleb Johnson on KR,” Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora wrote on X. “A veteran who can catch and block, he probably picks up 5-10 offensive snaps, too.
“Multi-phase special teamer as well.”
Sermon actually doesn’t have much returner experience in the NFL. But he returned one kickoff for 23 yards for the Indianapolis Colts last year.
In 42 NFL games, Sermon has posted 505 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He’s averaged 3.8 yards per carry and recorded 22 catches for 138 yards as well.
Steelers Place Max Scarping on Injured Reserve
Because of Sermon’s addition, the Steelers could include Johnson on their inactive list. It’s not typical for NFL teams to dress four running backs. Without much of an offensive role and no special teams job anymore, Johnson is the obvious choice to be the healthy running back scratch.
That’s the role Scharping played for the Steelers offensive line in the first two weeks. Scarping was inactive for both Weeks 1 and 2.
But without him, the Steelers won’t be as deep up front on offense going forward. Pittsburgh has nine offensive linemen remaining on the 53-man roster.
Veteran tackle Andrus Peat has also been inactive the first two weeks of the season. Peat could play tackle or guard if need be this year.
The Steelers have two offensive linemen on their practice squad. The team also appeared interested in adding more line depth late this week.
Pittsburgh hosted five offensive linemen for a workout Friday.
Steelers Make Telling RB Roster Move for Rookie Kaleb Johnson