Packers Learning What Steelers Already Knew About Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their Week 5 preparations in a bit of disarray. Following the trade of top cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys and a difficult loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers are 2-2 after their first four contests.

The Steelers are finding their way under new head coach Mike McCarthy, and while things feel gloomy currently, things aren't all lost.

After all, they could still be dealing with the dizzying frustration that is running back Kaleb Johnson. The team's former third-round pick was sent over to the Green Bay Packers before the regular season began, receiving a 2028 sixth-round draft pick in exchange. Even while the Steelers figure out the myriad of woes plaguing the franchise, they aren't learning the lessons the Packers are when it comes to Johnson.

Steelers Need Running Back Help - But Not His

The Steelers are experiencing their own issues at running back right now. With Rico Dowdle out with a lower-body injury, the team has had to rely almost exclusively on starter Jaylen Warren.

And yes, Warren could use some better depth behind him while Dowdle recovers, but they aren't missing Johnson one bit in that regard. The 27-year-old running back has carried the ball 17 times in both games without Dowdle, and he's been extremely productive. He posted 127 yards on the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals and 93 yards against the Cleveland Browns.

What the Steelers could use is another trusted back that could spell Warren, and Johnson isn't that. He's never been a valuable player in the passing game, and so far with the Packers, he's managed a single reception. Meanwhile, Warren hasn't received fewer than four targets in a game this season.