Steelers expected to make shocking Kaleb Johnson decision just 3 games into rookie season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' initial chapter with rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has not been a good one.

In Week 1, he carried once. In Week 2, he had the misplayed kickoff return that turned into a Seattle Seahawks touchdown.

And now in Week 3... he might be inactive?

That's what the insightful website Steelers Depot expects, writing on X: "With the Steelers elevating RB Trey Sermon on Saturday, good sign that rookie RB Kaleb Johnson will be inactive on Sunday."

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Pittsburgh made Sermon one of its practice squad elevations for Week 3. The former Ohio State running back will be making his regular season debut for 2025.

The Steelers will have Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell active, surely.

That could leave Johnson as the odd man out.

Johnson was a superstar at Iowa, but so far, it hasn't translated.

The Pittsburgh fanbase hasn't really gotten much of a look at him, given that he's hardly been on the field.

The coaching staff sees Johnson every day, though, and must know where he stands in the pecking order.

Maybe this was coming all along, or maybe it's a chance to let the rookie refresh his mind. Or maybe they'll just have four active RBs.

But that Sunday inactive list has the potential to be very intriguing.

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