The Morning After: Writing is on the wall for Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson

Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Acrisure Stadium was powered by anticipation, it could have stored enough to last an entire season in the moments leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. It marked the first time that Will Howard and Drew Allar would take the field as NFL quarterbacks, albeit in an exhibition state. But for the young signal callers, it was a chance to show they could perform when the lights are bright. Additionally, several young defenders had showcase moments of their own, and a young running back’s lack of playing time could be the writing on the wall we all feared.

It’s the morning after game day, so let’s dive in on what could end up being a very memorable 2026 preseason opener.

It’s okay to have faith in Drew Allar

Both Howard and Allar had highlight moments, but the majority of the attention (understandably so) is on the rookie out of Penn State who went 10-of-13 for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and an additional score on the ground. This naturally led us down caveat street, as Steelers fans are more weary than most about big moments in the preseason. Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ starters scoring five touchdowns in five drives in 2023 did irreversible damage to the perception of preseason to a lot of fans, and frankly, they are justified for that. However, I would say this: don’t let the shortcomings of one quarterback cause you to never believe in another.

For a quick comparison, I pulled Pickett’s totals from that preseason (what a lovely way to spend my morning, I know). In five drives, he went 13-of-15 for 199 yards and two touchdowns – Allar practically matched that in one game. And before you start shout-typing that Pickett did it against first and second-team players while Allar was largely competing against the third-team, believe me – I get it. I’m not sitting here today proclaiming Allar to be the second coming of Josh Allen. I am saying, however, that it’s okay to let yourself believe. It’s okay, after seeing what he did in his first taste of NFL action, to say, ‘alright, there may be something there with this guy.’

Allar was considered a first-round talent ahead of last college football season for a reason. Then, of course, everything that could have gone wrong for Penn State went wrong, he got injured for the season, and that was that. And even prior to the 2025 season, he was stuck in an RPO offense when his best attribute is his ability to sling the ball – something even Penn State assistant coach Terry Smith admitted on 93.7 The Fan earlier this year.

“I’ve been known as the truth teller here at Penn State,” Smith said . “And I think unfairly to Drew, our system wasn’t built for him. It wasn’t made for him. Some of the decisions were taken out of his control.”

Apparently, all it took for Allar to begin improving was three months away from his former offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and head coach James Franklin. He has shown more progression in three months with the Steelers than he did in four years at Penn State. His throwing motion has less movement, his footwork is better, though still a work in progress, and he made routine plays look routine in his debut. I’d like to see him run with the second-team in Week 2 to see what he looks like against better competition, but his performance against Green Bay exceeded expectations. So enjoy this little ride through August. Because if he continues with this type of play, maybe it’ll be enough for the Steelers to give him a real shot to be QB1 in 2027.

Writing is on the wall for Kaleb Johnson

Travis Homer took the first-team reps at running back to start the game, with Lew Nichols also rotating in and getting meaningful carries. After the first 30 minutes, though, Kaleb Johnson had a grand total of zero offensive snaps and finished the night with two carries for three yards. If we are taking into account Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, both of whom didn’t play, that would put Johnson at RB5 in the rotation.

Johnson has been a heavy talking point throughout the offseason. He carried the ball just 28 times as a rookie for 69 yards and [insert mandatory mention of the kickoff folly against the Seahawks here]. The Steelers told you without saying a word how they feel about the former third-round pick. If they are able to pull off a pick swap in the 2028 draft via trade, they should do it. It’s better to get something for him, which they probably can. As my friend Alan Saunders said, “They got something for Kendrick Green.“ Regardless of how they move on from Johnson, it looks like a forgone conclusion that he won’t be on the roster come September.

Germie Bernard’s stock is rising fast

It got somewhat lost in the midst of the Drew Allar glitz and glamour, but Germie Bernard had a terrific debut in his own right. The second-round pick caught four passes for 61 yards, including a very nice 25-yard catch-and-run that saw him break multiple tackles down the right sideline. While Roman Wilson has had the stronger camp, the Michigan product had just one catch for seven yards on Thursday, so don’t be surprised to see Bernard get more opportunities in the final two preseason games as the battle for WR3 continues.

Defensive standouts

There were too many notable performances on defense for them to all have their own category, so I’ll give my quick notes on a handful of guys:

LB Jamin Davis: Two sacks, led the team with eight tackles. Very nice showing for the former first-round pick. Don’t think he’ll find a spot on the Steelers’ roster, but he’ll make someone’s team

DT Gabriel Rubio: Panned the draft pick, but wow he looked very solid on the interior. Six tackles, filling gaps all evening. Impressive stuff from No. 96.

DB Deva...

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