Kaleb Johnson
Running Back
Kaleb Johnson News
Kaleb Johnson Slipping Down Green Bay's Backfield Rotation
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson saw his role shrink at the very moment an opening appeared in the backfield. Chris Brooks (ankle) landed on injured reserve ahead of Week 5, but Johnson didn't play an offensive snap in the first half of Sunday's 31-7 win over Chicago. He finished with nine snaps (15%), down from 15 (27%) against Tampa Bay in Week 4, when he rushed for 42 yards but also lost a fumble inside the 5-yard line. Pierre Strong Jr., promoted from the practice squad, logged 24 snaps and caught three passes, while MarShawn Lloyd played 26 snaps and scored twice. Johnson's seven carries produced 26 yards, with 23 coming on a single fourth-quarter run after Green Bay had built a comfortable lead. Through five games, he has 106 rushing yards, one reception, and no touchdowns. With Josh Jacobs still on the Commissioner's Exempt List, Johnson had an opportunity to establish himself, but he now looks like a speculative deep-league stash heading into Week 6 against Dallas.
Oct 16, 2026 7:57 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Has Risky Flex Appeal In Week 5
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson led the team with 42 rushing yards on eight carries against Tampa Bay, including a 31-yard run. His best rushing performance of the season was marred by a fourth-quarter fumble near the goal line. Chris Brooks (ankle) is out for Week 5, which could create more opportunities for Johnson and MarShawn Lloyd. Green Bay also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster, so the backfield is unlikely to become a simple two-man rotation. Johnson has not been a factor in the passing game, making his fantasy value heavily dependent on carries and scoring opportunities. His 31-yard run against Tampa Bay showed some big-play ability, but the workload remains too uncertain to trust him as a regular starter. RotoBaller ranks Johnson RB41 for Week 5, making him a risky Flex option in deeper leagues.
Oct 9, 2026 3:30 PM EST
Kaleb Johnson Remains Deep League Stash
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson posted a season-high in yardage during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson carried the ball eight times for 42 yards in their three-point victory. He also fumbled the ball in an important part of the game, so we'll see if that impacts his playing time going forward. The Packers don't have a legitimate lead back right now, so Johnson should remain in the picture. It's tough to know exactly what he's going to offer weekly in this three-back committee. The 23-year-old is worth holding in deep league and dynasty formats ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Oct 6, 2026 5:15 PM EST
Kaleb Johnson Hard to Rely on in Tough Week 4 Matchup
Across three games so far in 2026, Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has recorded just 12 carries for 38 yards. However, the 23-year-old could have a chance to emerge as a more consistent part of his team's offense. The Packers' rushing offense has been horrendous through three weeks, ranking dead last in the NFL in total rushing yards (146), yards per carry (3.0), and rushing touchdowns (zero). Given Green Bay's struggles so far, Johnson could take over lead back duties from fellow Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately for both Packers backs, Tampa Bay's rush defense has been excellent so far this year. The Bucs currently rank second in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (3.1) and have allowed just one rushing touchdown this year. Given the tough matchup and the lack of a proven track record, Johnson remains tough for fantasy managers to trust in Week 4.
Oct 3, 2026 5:49 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Worth Watching After Increased Week 3 Work
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is starting to carve out a larger role, but he remains a deeper-league stash heading into Week 4. Johnson carried four times for six yards and caught one pass for 10 yards in Thursday's loss to Atlanta after rushing eight times for 32 yards in Week 2. The more interesting development is the backfield rotation. Johnson played 22 offensive snaps against the Falcons, ahead of MarShawn Lloyd's 15, while Chris Brooks still led the group with 26. Johnson did not play an offensive snap in Week 1, so his role is clearly moving in the right direction, even if Green Bay is still using multiple backs. RotoBaller has Johnson 46th overall on its Week 4 waiver board, at 6% rostered, with a recommendation for 14-team leagues. He is worth stashing in deeper formats, but managers in standard 10- or 12-team leagues do not need to force the pickup yet.
Sep 29, 2026 7:39 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Ineffective in Low-Usage Role on Thursday Night
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson played a minimal role in his team's 35-14 Week 3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, recording four carries for six yards and one reception for 10 yards on three targets. With Packers RB1 Josh Jacobs currently on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List, Johnson has been given a chance to establish himself in the Green Bay backfield. The 23-year-old has failed to seize the opportunity so far, recording 12 carries for 38 yards across three games. Johnson split carries evenly with fellow Packers back MarShawn Lloyd against Atlanta, and neither rusher was even remotely effective. Green Bay is battling injuries along its offensive line and has been completely unable to run the ball so far in 2026. Despite being one of just two teams to have already played three games, the Packers rank 30th in the NFL in total rushing yards (146). Until Green Bay shows some signs of life on the ground, fantasy managers may want to avoid Johnson and the rest of the Packers' backs.
Sep 25, 2026 5:46 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson to See More Opportunites On Thursday
According to James Palmer, Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is set to see more opportunities on Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Palmer noted that the second-year back needed time to adjust to the scheme, but he appears primed for a bigger workload tonight. In Week 1, the former Iowa standout did not log a single carry but began to carve out a more prominent role in Week 2. In their victory over the New York Jets, Johnson took eight carries for 32 yards, which ended up leading the team. Even though MarShawn Lloyd would find the back of the end zone through the air, Johnson's usage was promising. Managers should watch his usage closely on Thursday night, as he appears to be slowly emerging as the leader of this committee. Given the potential to see a large role, he carries viable FLEX upside in deeper 12+ team half-PRR formats on Thursday night.
Sep 24, 2026 3:52 PM EST
Kaleb Johnson Earns Praise After Week 2 Showing
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson drew praise from quarterback Jordan Love after getting his first offensive work with the team in Sunday's overtime win over the Jets. Love said Johnson has done some good things when he's had space, according to Ryan Wood. Johnson led Green Bay with eight carries for 32 yards after playing no offensive snaps in Week 1. He also helped start the game-winning overtime drive with runs of 11 and three yards on the first two plays. Johnson did put the ball on the ground once, though Green Bay recovered it. The Packers are still rotating Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks, so his role remains unsettled despite the encouraging showing.
Sep 22, 2026 11:21 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Becomes More Interesting After Week 2 Usage
Green Bay Packers second-year running back Kaleb Johnson did not see a single offensive snap in the team's Week 1 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings after the Packers acquired him in a training camp deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson played only 27% of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 win over the New York Jets, but he saw a team-high eight carries for 32 yards (4.0 yards per carry), signaling that he could start becoming a much bigger part of the Packers' committee backfield with starter Josh Jacobs still on the commissioner's exempt list. The 23-year-old Johnson was not involved in the passing game, while MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks combined for three catches for 21 yards and a touchdown (Lloyd). Johnson has familiarity with Green Bay's offense from playing in a similar scheme in college at Iowa, so he could slowly become more of a trusted early-down back for head coach Matt LaFleur for as long as Jacobs remains out. Fantasy managers searching for RB depth will want to give Johnson a look in deeper leagues. He is rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Sep 22, 2026 8:38 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Could Join Packers' Backfield Mix in Week 2
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson could get his first offensive work of the season Sunday against the New York Jets. Johnson was active in Week 1 but did not play an offensive snap, while MarShawn Lloyd handled 13 carries for 37 yards and Chris Brooks added seven carries for 29. Head coach Matt LaFleur said this week that Johnson is expected to be in for some plays, which at least puts him in the backfield mix after watching from the sideline in the opener. How much work that turns into is still unclear. Johnson remains listed third on Green Bay's unofficial depth chart behind Lloyd and Brooks, and both backs were involved last week. For fantasy managers, that makes Johnson more of a player to monitor than someone to trust right away. The coaching staff appears ready to give him a look, but there is not enough evidence yet to know whether those snaps will turn into meaningful touches.
Sep 20, 2026 8:58 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Still the Odd Man Out After Change of Scenery
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson remains off the fantasy radar despite a trade late in the preseason. Johnson was on the roster bubble with the Steelers, who ultimately dealt him to the Packers after Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list. There was some speculation that the former third-round pick could lead the way in Green Bay's backfield. In reality, he operated as the No. 3 running back in Week 1 due to his lack of familiarity with the Packers' system and his underwhelming track record in the NFL. MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks were extremely disappointing in the season opener, while Johnson didn't log a single offensive snap. We don't expect to see a major depth chart shakeup this week, which means that Johnson will remain buried in the third-string role with minimal volume headed his way. He can be dropped in most fantasy leagues.
Sep 17, 2026 6:57 PM EST
Kaleb Johnson Is Set for Debut with Packers, but Exact Role is Cloudy
Running back Kaleb Johnson will make his debut with the Green Bay Packers in a Week 1 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings to begin the 2026 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Johnson to the Packers in late August. With running back Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List, the Packers will rely on a committee of MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Johnson in the backfield. How exactly that rotation works out is anybody's guess right now, but Lloyd is currently listed as the starter. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently said that Johnson could certainly play a role right away for Green Bay. The Vikings allowed 124.1 rushing yards per game in 2025. Johnson enters the matchup with the Vikings as the No. 68 running back for Week 1, according to RotoBaller. It is probably best to leave Johnson, who is rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues, on the bench or waiver wire for Week 1 and monitor how things progress.
Sep 12, 2026 8:09 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Could Play a Role in Week 1 Against Vikings
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson, who was acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers during training camp to help with RB depth in light of the Josh Jacobs (personal) situation, could be a factor immediately in the Week 1 season opener this Sunday versus the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. "Yes. He's done a nice job. It does help there was some carryover not only from when he was at Iowa with Tim Lester but also having Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh," head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Johnson could help this weekend. The 23-year-old from Iowa had a forgettable rookie year in the Steel City in 2025, carrying the ball only 28 times for 69 yards in 10 regular-season games. Now in Green Bay, Johnson has some interesting short-term fantasy value in deeper leagues with Jacobs out for Week 1 and potentially facing an early-season suspension. MarShawn Lloyd is expected to see most of the backfield work out of the gate, but he has only played in one NFL game due to injuries. We are not recommending Johnson as a starting fantasy option in Week 1, but he is worth a waiver-wire flier if you have Jacobs rostered and are looking for more RB depth. Johnson is rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Sep 9, 2026 9:58 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Worth Stashing in Deeper Leagues
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is worth keeping an eye on while Josh Jacobs remains unavailable. The Packers traded a 2028 sixth-round pick for Johnson on Aug. 30 after his quiet rookie season in Pittsburgh, where he managed only 69 yards on 28 carries. The opportunity in Green Bay is better. MarShawn Lloyd should get the first crack at leading the backfield, but Johnson has already worked alongside him with the first-team offense, while Chris Brooks is better suited for passing-down work. Johnson also has some familiarity with Matt LaFleur's system after playing in a similar offense during his final season at Iowa. None of that makes him a Week 1 starter, and RotoBaller currently has him at RB70 for the opener against Minnesota. The waiver outlook is more interesting than the immediate lineup value. RotoBaller recommends Johnson in leagues with 14 or more teams, which fits where things stand. He's a speculative stash with a path to more work if this backfield stays unsettled.
Sep 7, 2026 11:09 AM EST
Familiarity With Packers' Scheme Should Help Kaleb Johnson
Iowa Hawkeyes offensive coordinator Tim Lester spent the 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers as an analyst and was named offensive coordinator at Iowa in 2024, where he inherited new Packers running back Kaleb Johnson and brought along head coach Matt LaFleur's offense, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. "He should have unbelievable familiarity with the system, that's for sure, because that's exactly what we ran his senior year of college, which is good," Lester said. "And so I've been excited for him to get his shot and kind of get settled. The NFL normally takes a little bit of time to get adjusted, but definitely a talented kid." It should help Johnson, a third-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, get up to speed much faster after recently being acquired in a trade from Pittsburgh to help the Packers with RB depth now that Josh Jacobs will not be with the team to begin the 2026 season. Johnson had 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns at Iowa in 2024, with 4.4 yards on average coming after contact. The 23-year-old excels at breaking tackles, although he only had 28 carries for 69 yards (2.5 yards per carry) in 10 games with the Steelers as a rookie. Johnson's rookie season was forgettable, but he could quickly turn things around in Green Bay in an offense he is much more familiar with. MarShawn Lloyd is expected to get the first crack at RB1 duties with Jacobs out, but Johnson should not be ignored as a late-round handcuff with rising value because of Jacobs' status.
Sep 4, 2026 8:36 AM EST
Packers High On New Acquisition Kaleb Johnson
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has been traded over from the Pittsburgh Steelers and amid the troubles with running back Josh Jacobs, the Packers organization is high on the addition of Johnson. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had this to say about Johnson as a newcomer to the team: "Excited to get Kaleb in here. Young player with huge upside ... He comes from a very strong program. He had a lot of success there. There's some similar scheme stuff, a lot of outside-zone." Johnson comes from the Iowa Hawkeyes college program and has a real shot to make a name for himself with Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Johnson could be a nice late-round addition to fantasy teams with some "huge upside" as stated by his new GM.
Sep 1, 2026 6:57 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Surging Up Draft Boards Amid Path to Fantasy Relevance
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson went from being off the redraft radar in Pittsburgh to having a real path to touches almost overnight. The Packers acquired the 2025 third-round pick on Sunday for a 2028 sixth-rounder, the same day Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Johnson is not jumping MarShawn Lloyd, who enters the season as Green Bay's No. 1 back, and Chris Brooks is still part of the mix. The situation is a lot better than the one Johnson left behind, though. He managed only 69 yards on 28 carries as a rookie and was a cut candidate in Pittsburgh after averaging 3.1 yards per carry this preseason. Green Bay still chose to trade for the 6-foot-1, 224-pound back rather than wait for him to hit waivers. Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in his final season at Iowa, so the pedigree is there even if the NFL production hasn't been. With Jacobs unavailable and Lloyd carrying a lengthy injury history, Johnson is back on the late-round redraft radar.
Aug 31, 2026 9:22 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Traded to Packers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers, according to Jeremy Fowler. The move comes with some uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs, who was formally charged with two misdemeanors Thursday and could still face discipline from the NFL. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said earlier this week that the team had been preparing for the possibility of a Jacobs suspension, although there has been no indication that the Johnson trade was made specifically because of that situation. Johnson moves on after a quiet rookie season in Pittsburgh, where the 2025 third-round pick managed just 69 yards on 28 carries in 10 games. He was much more productive during his final season at Iowa, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. Green Bay already has Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr. behind Jacobs, so Johnson isn't guaranteed a meaningful role. Adding another back now, though, gives the Packers more insurance while Jacobs' Week 1 availability remains unsettled.
Aug 30, 2026 9:45 AM EST
Kaleb Johnson Projected to be Released by Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson is projected to be released within the upcoming weeks, according to a 53-man roster prediction from Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "Moving on from a third-round pick just one year after he was drafted would be a tough look for the Steelers," DeFabo wrote. "However, that possibility is looking increasingly likely." Johnson was essentially nonexistent on offense as a rookie last year, and he struggled this preseason to the tune of 57 rushing yards on 17 carries (3.1 YPC). Those are subpar numbers, especially for a once-highly-touted running back going up against reserve defenders. DeFabo notes that in addition to the offensive shortcomings, Johnson is replaceable on special teams. He projected that Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle will handle almost all of the offensive snaps, while Travis Homer makes the team as the No. 3 running back with plenty of experience and talent on special teams. If that is the case, Johnson will be the odd man out just one year after being a Day 3 pick. He's tough to trust in dynasty leagues, and he should be avoided in all redraft formats.
Aug 27, 2026 7:42 PM EST
Kaleb Johnson Sees Expanded Role in Second Preseason Game
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson handled 10 carries for 39 yards and caught both of his targets for 15 yards in a 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Johnson, who was surprisingly limited to just two touches in last week's win, was featured heavily on Friday night and received the vast majority of Pittsburgh's opportunities out of the backfield. While he couldn't find much daylight, the second-year pro ran hard and showcased his ability as a pass-catcher. Johnson took over for starters Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the second quarter and remained involved into the early stages of the fourth. At this point, it's clear that Johnson is competing for a depth role, and potentially a roster spot, alongside fellow running backs Lew Nichols, Eli Heidenreich, and Travis Homer. His final preseason opportunity will come Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Aug 21, 2026 9:33 PM EST
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