by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 27, 2026, 8:49 PM

Kaleb Johnson’s Chances Look Slim of Making Final 53-man Roster

Orchard Park, NY – Fourth year running back Lew Nichols III got the starting nod against the Buffalo Bills. It’s no secret if you follow Pittsburgh media that Nichols III has had a very good off-season in terms of OTAs and training camp.

The interesting tidbit is that Kaleb Johnson, the team’s third round selection in last year’s NFL Draft, dressed for the game.

Him entering or not entering the game is the big tell tale of about his future with the Steelers. Travis Homer started the first preseason game and in Week 2 of the preseason Jaylen Warren was the running back out first versus the Jets.

In the final game of the preseason, Nichols III started with Travis Homer coming in second. With the second quarter underway it was still an unknown one if Johnson was insured a roster spot like other dressed veterans on duty but not participating.

Nichols III finished the first half with seven carries for 40 yards, continuing his solid performance in the preseason since last season in Pittsburgh, where he was the team’s preseason leading rusher last season.

The beginning of the third quarter began, and Johnson was adjusting his helmet and slipping off his gloves. Possibly signaling that his roster spot is truly in jeopardy.

Except rookie Eli Heidenreich entered the contest. With Heidenreich on the field, Johnson took off his helmet and waited.

The wait for the revealing of Johnson’s future was still lingering out there.

With 11:29 in the third quarter Johnson entered the game.

The fourth running back to get the nod.

It looks like Johnson’s chances are slim on making the final 53-man roster.

Final preseason game. He plays and is fourth running back to enter the game.

Follow the breadcrumbs.

Why would Pittsburgh throw in a player they want on the 53-man roster for a few carries in the third quarter?

Why risk it?

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com