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Pittsburgh Steelers Stock Watch: Exciting rookie looks to rebound after having his welcome to the NFL moment in training camp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 4:20 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers locker room will be buzzing this week.

With the meat of camp behind them, Saturday marks the first chance to show out against someone in a different uniform.

Here are the three players who need to make the most of that opportunity...

RB Kaleb Johnson

Watching Kaleb Johnson run with the football is akin to watching an Olympic gold medalist down a ski slope, or an F1 driver on a street circuit. Everything looks so efficient, calculated, and precise.

But when the pads came on last week, the physical portion of Pittsburgh Steelers football hit the rookie in the mouth. Malik Harrison bested him three times in backs on backers, and he had his first fumble of camp after DeShon Elliott punched the football loose.

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With Jaylen Warren being a known commodity in Pittsburgh, Saturday's game against the Jaguars offers Johnson a chance to show off his brawn at over 200 pounds and 6 feet plus.

CB Beanie Bishop

One name you haven't heard a ton of in camp is Beanie Bishop. The UDFA that caught everyone's attention in camp last year has seen his starting role diminish with the likes of Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols inserting themselves into the equation at nickel.

But Bishop is still around, and the preseason is where he made his name last year. I don't expect him to be cut, but if he wants to assert himself as the starter, it begins with a good game against the Jaguars.

Skylar Thompson

The former roommate of Will Howard during their time at Kansas State, the veteran backup is going to have to show out to keep the rookie off his tail.

Will Howard ripping the seam in 7on7 #Steelers

@SteelersWRobbie

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— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) August 2, 2025

Howard has made some big-time throws, shown up repeatedly, and gotten better every day, often running with the final skill and line groupings around him. The Steelers seldom carry four quarterbacks, so Thompson will have to be the undeniable starting Saturday.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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