Kaleb Johnson struggles in NFL debut, raising fantasy football concerns
Kaleb Johnson’s inaugural performance in the NFL was far from what many had anticipated. The rookie running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who made waves during his time at Iowa, saw just two snaps in his debut, both occurring shortly after halftime. Expectations were high for Johnson, as some speculated he would take the lead role in the backfield. Instead, he found himself overshadowed by both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, leaving many to wonder about his future prospects.
Fantasy football implications for Johnson
The pressing question among fantasy football managers is how long to hold onto Johnson, given his lack of opportunity. For those in smaller leagues, particularly with eight or ten teams, the consensus might lean toward letting him go. ESPN’s Liz Loza pointed out that Johnson’s limited involvement, combined with inconsistent play during training camp, difficulties in pass protection, and a fumble the previous week, suggests he may remain in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s doghouse for the foreseeable future.
In deeper leagues, however, it could be worth holding Johnson for at least another week. This would allow fantasy managers to gauge whether the current backfield situation is likely to persist. For those in keeper or dynasty formats, dropping Johnson right now would be premature, as his potential remains intact, albeit unutilized.
Alternative options for fantasy managers
It’s crucial to assess your roster before making any rash decisions regarding Johnson. Ideally, managers shouldn’t have relied on him as a starter, and if that is the case, exploring other options could be beneficial. Quinshon Judkins, who is poised to make his debut with the Cleveland Browns, might be a viable alternative worth considering. Additionally, players like Rachaad White and Cam Skattebo seem to be edging closer to significant roles, presenting further options.
While Johnson undoubtedly possesses talent, the lack of opportunity in the Steelers’ crowded backfield raises significant concerns. Until he is given a chance to prove himself, his fantasy value may remain limited.
