Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Challenges Kaleb Johnson to Earn Role

The new Pittsburgh head coach wants the second-year RB to prove himself on special teams and as a three-down back.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:34am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep blue, crimson red, and metallic gold, conveying the idea of a player needing to prove himself through a multi-dimensional effort.The Steelers' young running back faces a challenging path to earn playing time, requiring a determined, multi-faceted approach.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy made headlines this week with his comments about second-year running back Kaleb Johnson. After a disappointing rookie season, McCarthy said he's giving Johnson a 'clean slate' but will challenge him to earn a role on special teams and as a three-down back, competing against veterans Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

Why it matters

Johnson was a third-round pick in 2025 with high expectations, but struggled to get playing time as a rookie. With the Steelers bringing in new veteran running backs, Johnson faces an uphill battle to carve out a role in the offense. McCarthy's comments indicate the young RB will have to prove himself on special teams and in practice to earn more opportunities.

The details

After a rookie season where he fell behind undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren and fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart, Johnson now faces competition from veteran Rico Dowdle, who McCarthy reunited with from their time together in Dallas. The new Steelers head coach said he understands Johnson's special teams struggles as a rookie, but wants to 'challenge him to be a three-down player and challenge him to be a special teams player' in 2026.

  • Johnson was a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • In the 2025 season, Johnson struggled to earn playing time as a rookie.
  • The Steelers signed veteran RB Rico Dowdle in free agency in 2026, reuniting him with head coach Mike McCarthy.
  • On March 31, 2026, McCarthy addressed Johnson's role and challenges for the upcoming season.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over for the retired Mike Tomlin.

Kaleb Johnson

A second-year running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, drafted in the third round in 2025.

Jaylen Warren

A veteran running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who emerged as the lead back over Johnson as a rookie.

Rico Dowdle

A veteran running back who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency in 2026, reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy from their time together in Dallas.

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What they’re saying

“This is like a Catholic operation. You say three Hail Marys, the priest blessed you, and everybody's got a clean slate.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I'm going to challenge [Johnson] to be a three-down player and challenge him to be a special teams player. Those things are a part of being a young running back in this league, especially with the two guys in front of him.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

Johnson will have to prove himself in training camp and the preseason to earn a larger role in the Steelers' offense and on special teams in 2026.

The takeaway

Johnson was a high draft pick, but struggled as a rookie. Now facing increased competition, he must show the determination and grit to earn playing time, rather than relying on his draft status. McCarthy's challenge is clear - Johnson needs to elevate his game on special teams and as an all-around back to carve out a role in the Steelers' backfield.