Steelers’ Mike Tomlin issues clear demand for rookie RB ahead of Buccaneers clash

Story by

Story by
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin issues clear demand for rookie RB ahead of Buccaneers clash

Josue Pavon · ClutchPoints

Fri, Aug 15, 2025 ·

1 min read

About Our Ads

The post Steelers' Mike Tomlin issues clear demand for rookie RB ahead of Buccaneers clash appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his wishes for rookie running back Kaleb Johnson ahead of facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . After Tomlin revealed two injured pass catchers amid preseason , wide receiver Calvin Austin and tight end Jonnu Smith are day-to-day following their respective injuries. He spoke about what he expects from Johnson.

Tomlin addressed Johnson's outlook against the Buccaneers.

"I just want to see him trust himself more," said Tomlin. "I want to see him play more instinctually, trust his talents. That's reasonable to expect between the first experience and the second experience."

Johnson explained how he's feeling more comfortable in his new surroundings. As a rookie, Johnson is acclimating to his first NFL preseason.

While gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has big expectations for his defense. The veteran head coach didn't hold back in his predictions for how dominant his defense will be this upcoming season. While adding a handful of young players during the offseason, he's confident in their capabilities.

Tomlin is adamant that the Steelers' defense will have a historic impact this upcoming season, per NBC Sports.

"We feel really good about the prospects of this group. We do," Tomlin said, according to NBC Sports. "We've got to write that story. We've got enough talent, we've got enough schematics to do big, big things. When I say big things, I'm talking about historic things."

The Steelers will host the Buccaneers on Saturday.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: