Steelers' Running Back Shuffle: Johnson's Quiet Season

0:00This is Corey with NFL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Pittsburgh Steelers shook up their running back dev chart this week, with a fast replacement signing. Kenneth Gainwell hit free agency and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right away. The team then grabbed Rico Dowdell from the Carolina Panthers to step in. That move slotted Dowdell ahead of Rookie Darius Johnson, leaving Jalen Warren with solid backup support. And now sits third on the list after barely seeing the field as a first year player. Fans and analysts see this as a sign the Steelers lack faith in Johnson so far. They took him 83rd overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Iowa, expecting more after his college stardom. His rookie stats were thin, with just 10 games played. He had 28 carries for 69 yards, under 3 yards per attempt, one catch for 9 yards, and a fumble. He turns things around in camp, Johnson faces another quiet season.

1:00The Steelers actions point to building depth elsewhere first. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Out for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com