The Green Bay Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to strengthen their backfield. This roster move arrives as the team anticipates a potential NFL suspension for star starter Josh Jacobs.
The 83rd Overall Pick's Move to Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers have taken a chance on Kaleb Johnson, a former third-round selection who struggled to find his rhythm in Pittsburgh. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the trade was finalized just before the league's final roster cuts. Johnson, an Iowa product, was originally taken at No. 83 overall in the 2025 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his rookie campaign was largely unremarkable.
During his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kaleb Johnson managed only 69 rushing yards on 28 carries across 10 games. The move suggests that the Green Bay Packers see untapped potential in the young back, or perhaps simply a need for a body who has already experienced NFL training camps. By adding Johnson, the Packers are effectively betting that a change in coaching and environment can unlock the production that made him a third-round talent.
Josh Jacobs' November 17 Court Date and the NFL Review
The urgency behind this trade stems from the precarious legal situation surrounding Josh Jacobs. The Green Bay Packers starter was charged on Thursday with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property following a May arrest involving an alleged incident with a woman at his residence. While Jacobs is scheduled for an initial court appearance on November 17, the NFL is not required to wait for the judicial process to conclude before issuing a suspension.
An NFL spokesman has confirmed that the matter involving Josh Jacobs remains under review. Because the league often imposes its own discipline for conduct detrimental to the league, the Green Bay Packers are operating under the assumption that Jacobs could be sidelined for an indeterminate period. This creates a volatile situation for the Green Bay Packers' offense, which relies heavily on Jacobs' ability to move the chains.
Why Pierre Strong Jr. Lost His Roster Spot
The acquisition of Kaleb Johnson has immediate casualties on the Green Bay Packers' depth chart. Despite a strong showing during the preseason, Pierre Strong Jr. will not make the 53-man roster. The decision to cut Strong Jr. in favor of Johnson indicates that the front office prefers the pedigree of a former third-round pick over the recent momentum of a preseason standout.
The Green Bay Packers are now leaning on a mix of youth and specialization. MarShawn Lloyd, another former third-round pick, is expected to contribute more this year after injuries limited him to just one game since his 2024 debut. Meanwhile, Chris Brooks remains in the fold as a reliable third-down and blocking specialist. The report says the Packers are optimistic about Lloyd's health, but the addition of Johnson provides an extra layer of security should Lloyd suffer another setback.
Can Johnson Overcome the Seattle Kickoff Gaffe?
Kaleb Johnson arrives in Green Bay with a reputation for inconistency, highlighted by a high-profile special teams error. During a Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, Johnson allowed a live kickoff ball to bounce past him into the end zone, resulting in a touchdown for Seattle.. This mistake, combined with the fact that he was often outperformed in camp by undrafted free agent Lew Nichols, made him expendable for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Several questoins remain regarding Johnson's actual utility in the Green Bay Packers' system. It is unclear if Kaleb Johnson will be viewed as a primary backup or merely a depth piece behind MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Furthermore, since the source only provides the NFL's perspective on the review of Josh Jacobs, it remains unknown if Jacobs' legal team is attempting to negotiate a preemptive settlement or a deferred susension to avoid missing game time.
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