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Kaleb Johnson
RB · GB

Kaleb Johnson

Position RB
Team GB
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Kaleb Johnson

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: GB.

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)

August 31 context — Packers acquire for Jacobs contingency: Green Bay's trade for Johnson was driven by Josh Jacobs' placement on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Johnson, a third-rounder in 2025, showed "flashes" during his rookie season in Pittsburgh but also made "costly mistakes" (including a kickoff mishap vs Seattle that resulted in an unusual touchdown). The Steelers had him as third-string behind Lew Nichols and Travis Homer entering training camp, indicating lack of confidence in his development. Johnson is described as a "promising prospect" with a physical running style, though his success in Green Bay depends on whether he can contribute meaningfully if Jacobs' absence extends into the season or if he can overcome a poor rookie-year efficiency (2.46 yards per carry) (per Packers add promising prospect as Josh Jacobs' status remains uncertain).

Sept 3 trade grade analysis: NFLTradeRumors.co grades the trade as C+ for Pittsburgh, C for Green Bay, noting the Steelers wasted a third-rounder on Johnson in 2025. Green Bay gambled on a change of scenery to unlock the prospect's potential, though "the odds are decent that they just lit a pick on fire." The pick exchange (Packers get Johnson + Steelers keep a future 6th vs. the 2028 6th given) reflects how quickly Pittsburgh moved to salvage value on the disappointing pick. (per Grading All 22 Preseason Trades)

Sept 12 — ESPN trade grade B: Even before Jacobs' exempt-list placement, ESPN liked this as a low-cost flier on a wide-zone back; Johnson was stuck on special teams in Pittsburgh with Jaylen Warren entrenched (per 2026 NFL offseason trade grades: Kaleb Johnson, Gervon Dexter).

Role in committee approach (Sept 10): Johnson was added to the roster late in preseason camp, limiting his familiarity with the Green Bay offense. Due to this late arrival, he may see reduced early-season opportunity despite his between-the-tackles power—he's expected to carry the ball primarily in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Johnson is a more physical, between-the-tackles runner than Josh Jacobs (at 6'1" and built for frequent carries), and in his final college season at Iowa, carried the ball 240 times in 12 games (20 carries per game average) while also catching 22 passes. However, his lack of playbook familiarity entering Week 1 likely limits his role to situational usage and special teams, with increased opportunity coming in Week 2+ as he gains comfort with the system. (per Look for the Packers to Go with a Running Back by Committee Approach Without Josh Jacobs).

Week 2 opportunity: Johnson didn't play offensive snaps in Week 1, seeing only special-teams reps. Against the Jets in Week 2, he should get increased opportunity as Green Bay faces a weaker defense and may use more run-heavy looks. MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks failed to generate explosive runs in the opener (Lloyd: 2.8 yards per carry), setting up potential for Johnson to demonstrate why the Packers traded for him. (per 3 Packers players who should see more snaps against the Jets in Week 2)

Week 2 rotation: Entered a three-way backfield with MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks while Josh Jacobs remains on the commissioner exempt list. (per Packers Discussion: Which RB should get carries for Green Bay?)

Oct 9 — Committee struggles: Fumbling issues threaten playing time: Through the first five weeks, Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks have all disappointed, with each making "costly unforced errors" despite occasional bright spots in Week 5 win vs Tampa Bay. Johnson's fumbling problem is particularly concerning—he needs to "fix it quickly" to maintain any offensive role going forward. Johnson attributes his issues to shoulder pads and believes he has corrected the problem, but ongoing fumbles are limiting his snaps. The Packers promoted Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad as an upgrade option, suggesting the coaching staff is losing patience with all three RBs. The committee approach isn't working, and fantasy managers should treat Johnson and Lloyd as unreliable volume plays until one back emerges. (per Green Bay Packers' running back committee remains unsettled - Yahoo Sports)

Role / Depth Chart

Acquired by Green Bay in trade with Pittsburgh on Aug 30, 2026. Depth chart ranking is fluid given Josh Jacobs' placement on Commissioner's Exempt List. Likely behind MarShawn Lloyd (primary beneficiary of Jacobs' absence) and competing with Chris Brooks for snaps. Johnson's physical running style and pass-protection ability make him an option if Lloyd misses time or Jacobs' absence extends into regular season.

Injury Status

Healthy as of Week 5, 2026.

Recent News

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?

Sources

Coaches shaping Kaleb's role

Matt LaFleurHead CoachAdam StenavichOffensive CoordinatorDeMarcus CovingtonOutside Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach - DefenseBen SirmansRunning Backs CoachEddie GordonAssistant Offensive Line CoachLuke ButkusOffensive Line Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Establish The Run2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 12 RBs & Their Player Comp