ESPN’s Brooke Pryor has released her pre-training camp projection for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster. Running back Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick, is not included in her forecast.
Pryor placed veteran Travis Homer in the third running back role behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Homer is valued primarily for his special teams contributions, having recorded 972 special teams snaps and 43 tackles since 2021.
Johnson’s exclusion stems from a limited rookie season in which he saw little action and committed a notable special teams error. His limited skills as a receiver and blocker were also cited as factors.
Pryor’s projection aligns with other recent forecasts that favor rookie Eli Heidenreich over Johnson. If Johnson is released, the team may attempt to trade the former third-round selection before the deadline, possibly to a club such as the Dallas Cowboys.
The projection also includes Will Howard over Mason Rudolph at quarterback and Dean Lowry on the defensive line.
