Aug. 24, 2026, 7:03 a.m.
ET
The Las Vegas Raiders are suddenly in the market for a short- to long-term option at running back following Ashton Jeanty’s apparent leg injury. Luckily for the Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers have more running backs than they know what to do with, potentially opening the door to a possible trade.
During the Raiders’ practice session on Sunday, Jeanty was diving for a catch and “landed awkwardly,” suffering an apparent leg injury. While it was later revealed to be an ankle injury and the setback isn’t considered long-term, Las Vegas would be wise to give Pittsburgh a call about second-year running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, who was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, didn’t quite have the rookie season he was hoping for. While Johnson remains immensely talented, it didn’t help his case that the Steelers brought in multi-time 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle to pair with starting running back Jaylen Warren in 2026. Pittsburgh also brought in special teams ace Travis Homer and drafted fan-favorite running back-wide receiver hybrid Eli Heidenreich. If the Steelers don’t view Johnson as a near-future contributor, which all signs seem to suggest, trading him to the Raiders to pair with Mike Washington Jr.
in the short term and form a fearsome running back trio when Jeanty is healthy seems like the best move to make. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any preseason news and injury updates, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
