The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their initial training camp and preseason depth chart, and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is currently third behind starter Jaylen Warren and backup Kenneth Gainwell.
Now, it’s important to start by mentioning the obvious. Training camp depth charts do not have any impact on the Week 1 depth chart, nor should too much be made about where a rookie is on this initial piece of paper — considering seniority generally wins out early on.
Having said that, it’s possible that head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith used this opportunity to send Johnson a subtle reminder. As if to say, everything must be earned, and the starting/backup jobs will not be handed out to the 2025 third-round pick.
After all, first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is listed as a starter already, so it’s not like the Steelers are unwilling to project a draft pick on a first-team unit.
On top of that, after the depth chart was released, Steelers Now beat reporter Alan Saunders commented that there were “no real surprises compared to what we’ve seen at camp,” and Johnson has often been working as the third-team running back behind the two veterans.
That’s not a knock on the rookie. It’s just the reality of the situation, as both Warren and Gainwell have shown their experience and already have a leg up on Johnson in pass protection.
With all that in mind, Johnson has received some first-team opportunities at Steelers training camp, and more will come if he’s able to prove to Tomlin and Smith that he deserves them.
Steelers Reporter Says Kenneth Gainwell’s Stock Is ‘Up’ at Training Camp
As Johnson attempts to climb the Steelers’ RB depth chart ahead of Week 1, the first man to beat will be Gainwell. Unfortunately for the rookie, Gainwell is having a nice summer and was just listed among The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo’s rising “stocks” on August 5.
“Gainwell caught the Steelers’ eye last year, when the former [Philadelphia] Eagles running back beat Pittsburgh in the flat repeatedly,” DeFabo wrote, after noting that the veteran signing’s stock is “up” at camp.
“OC Arthur Smith has taken full advantage of Gainwell’s diverse skill set, lining him up as a receiver and throwing him the ball out of the backfield,” the Steelers beat reporter continued. “He’ll be another chess piece in an offense that likes wildcards.”
DeFabo concluded that “I’ve also been struck by Gainwell’s feel for outsize-zone runs, where he has good patience and the quick-twitch necessary to hit holes when they form.” Adding: “He could be carving out a large role in the offense.”
Kaleb Johnson & the Entire Steelers Rushing Attack Have Struggled So Far
Within the same Steelers training camp “stock report” article from DeFabo, the reporter noted “needed improvements in [the] run game” within his “stock down” section.
“Through three practices in pads, the offense has struggled to find anywhere to run the ball,” DeFabo reiterated, as this has been an issue he’s brought up several times in recent practice reports.
“Maybe the Steelers’ remade defensive front is just that good,” the Pittsburgh media member acknowledged. “But as Sunday’s goal-line period showed, even when they only need a yard, it’s been tough sledding.”
Whether it’s Johnson, Warren or Gainwell running the football, the Steelers need more push from their rushing attack as we approach Week 1 of the NFL preseason.
