The season's fourth week puts the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland. While both teams seem ready to play the game without some starters, this may complicate their efforts. The Steelers are getting more and more injured while playing this game, with Jaylen Warren, Jonnu Smith and Joey Porter Jr. being listed as “suspicious” of the game.
Warren may have been a huge loss in the turn in recent weeks. He is the only run that produces a lot of offense in the offense. He is also a great weapon in the backfield. Pittsburgh's offensive chances further reduce Pittsburgh's chances.
Without Warren, things could be ugly.
Kenneth Gainwell quickly became a favorite player for the coaching staff during his first three weeks of action, but he wasn't very successful. They have to take off the blind and realize that Gainwell isn't great enough to be used under each one. Mike Tomlin and the company may have no choice but to take Kaleb Johnson out of the Doghouse and throw it into the fire.
Jaylen Warren's injury could force the Pittsburgh Steelers to promote Kaleb Johnson
It was right to push Johnson out of the roster after his rookie sport started a tough game. While he has remained active every week this season, he has seen the opportunity sink. After his week 2 kickoff crash, he allowed the Seattle Seahawks to score, what he deserved. So far, it is not exciting how Johnson's tenure in Pittsburgh has improved.
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He was considered a great choice when he was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He wasn't conceived as a project, but the Steelers did treat him like that. They forced him to play in the role of football, but it was something rookies rarely do in Iowa. This is counterproductive for the players and the team because it makes them play against the Seahawks.
Warren started the season great, but many people think Johnson will get a running position as the campaign progresses.
The opposite is true, but with Warren's knee injury in Week 4 likely to be eliminated, the coach may have no choice but to deploy Johnson. Although the rookie showed runners’ hopes, his overall performance attracted the attention of team decision makers.
Tomlin was upset with Johnson after his special team’s gaffe, but without Warren, the Steelers needed a runner who could play the entire race. Gainwell will see a lot of snapshots, but this is a chance Johnson has been hungry for. He can get opportunities in the offense and he has to use them. Even if Warren plays some games this week, Johnson should get more snapshots.