The Pittsburgh Steelers pushed through another day of OTAs on June 10, 2026, with extra attention on young players still fighting to establish themselves. Second-year running back Kaleb Johnson fits that description perfectly. Few names on the roster carry more urgency right now than the 22-year-old from Iowa.
Johnson entered the league as a third-round pick in 2025 with legitimate expectations. Power, vision, and burst made him an intriguing prospect. His rookie season played out differently. Limited opportunities turned into a quiet, often frustrating year marked by just 28 carries for 69 yards across 10 games and one catch for nine yards. A high-profile special teams error in Week 2 against the Seahawks lingered in the rearview mirror longer than anyone wanted.
The Rookie Low Point That Still Motivates Him
That Seahawks game stung. Johnson fielded a kickoff and let the ball bounce into the end zone under the new touchback rules, giving Seattle excellent field position they converted into points during a Steelers loss. He lost his return duties after that and never carved out consistent offensive snaps behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Instead of sulking, Johnson absorbed the lesson. In recent media availability he spoke plainly about the experience. “There’s ups and downs to football,” he said. “I feel like that was a down moment for me, but everybody has down moments. I feel like it’s me overcoming that and really just keep my mind straight. Keeping my mind forward and getting ready to go.”
“I mean, right now, it’s just all about me doing little things, getting better, just waiting on my time to come. That’s my main thing that’s been on my mind. Just waiting on my time to come, and my time will come to shine for sure.”
— Kaleb Johnson
He added that adversity builds the ability to bounce back. “I’ve just got to take it on the chin and just keep going.”
First-Team Reps and Noticeable Improvements at OTAs
Those words have translated into action this spring. Multiple reports from Steelers OTAs noted Johnson receiving first-team reps and looking sharper than at any point last season. Pass-catching has improved noticeably. Blitz pickup, a clear weakness as a rookie, shows better awareness and footwork in early sessions.
Insider Jim Wexell observed the change directly. Johnson “looks like he’s all business,” Wexell said. “He looks like a guy that wants to make amends… His pass-catching looks a lot better this year… There’s a guy who’s totally determined — would not surprise me if he shines in preseason.”
On the practice field the difference shows in the details. Routes come off his frame cleaner. His hands secure the ball without the earlier hesitation. When the scout team brings pressure, Johnson’s recognition and positioning have tightened. These are the small wins that coaches track closely during the no-pads phase of the offseason.
Crowded Backfield Means Every Rep Matters
The challenge remains steep. Pittsburgh added Rico Dowdle, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, to pair with Jaylen Warren. Veteran Travis Homer brings pass-catching and special teams reliability. Seventh-round rookie Eli Heidenreich adds another young body to the mix. The backfield depth chart leaves little margin for error.
Johnson knows the math. Third-round draft capital gives him runway, but roster spots are earned in the spring and summer. OTAs and the upcoming training camp represent his clearest path to showing he can contribute on offense and potentially carve out a complementary role. Special teams opportunities appear limited after the team invested in other return options.
What Success Looks Like for Johnson Moving Forward
Coaches under the current staff have emphasized versatility. Every player on the 53-man roster ideally brings multiple skills. For Johnson that means continuing to refine pass protection, route running, and ball security while staying ready for whatever role opens. Preseason games will matter enormously. Strong showings there can force the issue when injuries inevitably hit during the regular season.
The mental side may matter most. Johnson has refused to let last year’s setbacks define him. He has stayed forward-focused, attacked his weaknesses in the weight room and film room, and earned the trust of coaches enough to see first-team work during OTAs. That resilience is exactly what organizations hope develops in young players who face early adversity.
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Steelers fans watching these sessions have seen a different runner than the one who struggled for traction in 2025. The bursts are there. The determination is visible. The question now is whether it carries into pads and live contact when training camp begins.
Johnson’s story this offseason is still being written one rep at a time. For a player with something real to prove, these June OTAs represent the start of a fresh chapter rather than a continuation of last year’s frustrations.
