Concern surfaces for Steelers rookie RB at training camp

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is going to need to turn his physicality up a notch if he wants to earn more playing time during the 2025 campaign. 

The Steelers selected Johnson in the third round of April's draft out of Iowa, coming off a season where he rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes. 

However, there's more than the running game for Johnson to master in Pittsburgh.

Per Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Johnson had a rough day at practice on Wednesday in pass protection. Farabaugh thinks this could keep Johnson sidelined in the regular season if he doesn't make progress in this aspect of his game.

"Johnson went 0-3 in the backs-on-backers drill and lost decisively to Malik Harrison, who bullied Johnson with a bull rush," Farabaugh wrote. "He worked off to the side with Jaylen Warren after practice. If he can not get going in pass protection, his playing time will naturally be capped."

Pass protection is going to be paramount for the Steelers this year. Where Pittsburgh finishes in the AFC North and potentially the playoffs depends on the health of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

It's encouraging to see that Johnson is taking the issue seriously by working with teammates after practice to become a better pass blocker. Fortunately for Johnson, he's going up against one of the best defenses and pass rushing units in the league this summer.

If Johnson makes good progress in training camp, he should have an easier time in the regular season.