INDIANAPOLIS —Pittsburgh Steelers third-round pick Kaleb Johnso n certainly had a tumultuous rookie campaign. The Iowa product was active for 10 games, recording only 28 carries for 69 yards and one reception for nine yards.
Johnson's season was hindered by a costly miscue on a kickoff return against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Johnson failed to receive the kickoff, leading to a Seattle touchdown. The Steelers ended up losing the game, and Johnson remained in Mike Tomlin 's doghouse. In addition, an unexpectedly strong performance from eventual Steelers MVP Kenneth Gainwell kept Johnson from being able to earn another opportunity.'
Despite the disappointing rookie season, Steelers general manager Omar Khan expects Johnson to bounce back in Year 2.
"Obviously what you guys saw on the field was disappointing. It's got to be better, but we see it on the practice field. We knew what he did in college and I'd expect Kaleb to turn the corner," Khan told reporters at the NFL Combine on Tuesday.
Khan said at the NFL Combine that he wants Gainwell to remain in the black and gold . That factor could play a big part in Johnson's future. The Steelers already have Jaylen Warren under contract for the next two seasons at a cap hit of over $7 million per season.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex expressed recently that it's too early to give up on Johnson .
"I don't think the book, or the chapter has closed on Kaleb Johnson ," Essex said on the Snap Count podcast. "I don't think they need to give up on him by any means, I think he showed some skill back there, I think he can be really great, depending on what kind of run scheme we are implementing with new offensive line coach James Campen . He seems to be very strong when it comes to zone-read type running plays. Hopefully he can find a place; he showed some ability."
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Indianapolis.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Omar Khan Admits Steelers Rookie Had 'Disappointing' Season
Related Headlines
