Steelers’ rookie and a team captain highlight group of players with a downward trajectory to end training camp in Latrobe

A group of players who need a big end to the preseason.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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2025 training camp has come to an end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team ended in a spot other teams dreamed of on the health front.

With two games in the preseason left and a big test on Thursday, there is still a lot of work to be done before the season kicks off.

But with the team’s time in Latrobe coming to an end, now feels like a good time to take stock of who’s up and down, with today’s piece focusing on the latter…

RB Kaleb Johnson

As much as you hate to say it, Kaleb Johnson simply didn’t have a great camp and has started off slow in the preseason. When the pads came on, he was a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of things, getting bulldozed in Backs on Backers and fumbling in 11-on-11, all on day one.

Fast forward to last week’s preseason game, and Johnson rushed for a mere 2.5 yards per carry, had multiple drops, but more importantly, just looked robotic and out of sorts all night long.

Personally, this doesn’t change my opinion on Johnson. I still believe he has a shot to unseat Jaylen Warren from his starting role, sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving. This is merely camp and now the preseason. We have enough precedent to prove that this time of year is often fool’s gold or overreaction season.

Remember when Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ offense looked like the best in the league back in August of 2023? Yeah, me too.

So Johnson needs to step up, and his camp wasn’t great, but the rookie just teed off on 18 holes.

WR Calvin Austin III

The fourth-year WR headed into training camp as the Steelers’ WR No.2, and he may retain that role when the smoke clears, but Austin hasn’t practiced since August 1st. Friday Night Lights in Latrobe, nearly two weeks ago, was the last time he suited up.

That has the Steelers brass a little leery. We are already hearing buzz of them either signing or trading for another WR. On top of that, Roman Wilson started to form an excellent rapport with Rodgers in Austin’s absence, and three rookie UDFA WRs have been lights out.

Cam Heyward

Unlike the others on this list, Heyward played very little in Latrobe. And that was precisely the problem. When it became clear that Heyward’s lack of participation was due to a contract dispute, many in the fanbase turned against him.

But whatever side you’re on (player or team, and I’m pro player), having your team captain and a key face of the franchise serving as a distraction instead of preparing for a season where the team is supposed to be “all-in,” is never a good look.

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