Who Should I Start? Kaleb Johnson or Eli Heidenreich
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kaleb Johnson News
Wednesday, June 17, 8:58 AM
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson was unable to carve out a meaningful role in his team's offense as a rookie. Johnson spent the season stuck behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell on the Steelers' running back depth chart and finished the year with just 28 carries across 10 games played. While Gainwell departed Pittsburgh in free agency, the team replaced him with former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. As a result, Johnson once again appears likely to be limited to RB3 duties for the Steelers in 2026. However, he'll get a chance to work with a new coaching staff in his second NFL season, which could be the clean slate that Johnson needs to revitalize his pro career. The 22-year-old recorded over 1,500 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns across 12 games in his final collegiate season at Iowa, so he has some untapped rushing potential. For dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, Johnson could be worth targeting as a buy-low trade candidate.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Eli Heidenreich News
Saturday, June 27, 7:19 AM
Former Navy star Eli Heidenreich is listed as an RB/WR with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was assigned a RB number (No. 29) and has been working with the RBs during individual drills and "overwhelmingly lined up" in the backfield during team drills during offseason workouts, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. RBs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. called Heidenreich the "Swiss Navy Knife," but how much the Steelers open up their playbook in 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy might ultimately determine whether the 22-year-old will have a shot to make the 53-man roster for the regular season. How well he performs in pass protection, something Heidenreich wasn't asked to do much in college, could determine his fate early in his rookie season. DeFabo thinks Heidenreich will need to play his way onto Pittsburgh's roster during training camp, and it might take an injury for that to happen. Most likely, the former Midshipman will start his NFL career on the Steelers' practice squad.
Kaleb Johnson vs. Eli Heidenreich
Still trying to decide between Johnson and Heidenreich? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kaleb Johnson is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Eli Heidenreich is projected to score 0.0 points.
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