GB Kaleb Johnson
NFL player. Position: RB. Team: PIT.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: GB (Green Bay Packers)
- Draft: 2025 (3rd round, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- College: Iowa (Big Ten Running Back of the Year, consensus All-American)
2026 Outlook
Aug 30 Update — Jacobs on Commissioner Exempt List, Johnson's role elevated: Johnson now faces a clearer path to snaps in Green Bay. Acquired from Pittsburgh on Aug 30 in a trade, Johnson steps into an RB room suddenly reshaped by Josh Jacobs' placement on the Commissioner's Exempt List (same day). With Jacobs prohibited from practicing or playing while his legal situation is reviewed, Johnson (along with MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks) becomes a candidate for early-season carries. The 2025 third-rounder impressed no one in Pittsburgh—he averaged only 2.46 yards per carry in his rookie year and found himself third-string behind Lew Nichols and Travis Homer entering his second training camp. Johnson is a big, powerful runner with pass-protection ability, but his success depends on demonstrating improvement in Week 1 competition and earning snaps over Lloyd (the primary lead-back candidate if Jacobs misses time). For fantasy purposes, Johnson remains a depth play pending Jacobs' return, but he is one Josh Jacobs-related absence away from significant opportunity. (per Packers RB Josh Jacobs placed on commissioner exempt list - ESPN, Steelers trade RB Kaleb Johnson to Packers)
Role / Depth Chart
Third on Green Bay depth chart behind Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks. Path to offensive snaps depends on Jacobs' legal and NFL status, and Johnson's ability to handle pass protection. Could emerge as change-of-pace back if opportunity arises.
Recent News
- 2026-08-28 — NFL news, live updates: Browns to reportedly keep QB Dillon Gabriel; 49ers TE George... (NFL news, live updates: Browns to reportedly keep QB Dillon Gabriel; 49ers TE George...)
- 2026-08-30 — 2026 NFL offseason trade grades: Kaleb Johnson, Gervon Dexter (2026 NFL offseason trade grades: Kaleb Johnson, Gervon Dexter)
- 2026-08-30 — Steelers trade RB Kaleb Johnson to Packers (Steelers trade RB Kaleb Johnson to Packers)
- 2026-07-07 — Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs - Johnson positioned to carve larger role with more development (Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs)
Open Questions
- Will Johnson's second year in the NFL bring increased offensive opportunities, or will he remain primarily a special teams contributor?
- Can he develop quickly enough in pass protection to earn consistent playing time ahead of or alongside Warren/Dowdle?