The Dallas Cowboys have had about a week and a half of practices, and there doesn't seem to be any movement in the backup running back battle.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah have both had moments, and they've each had miscues. Meanwhile, Israel Abanikanda and Malik Davis -- albeit to a lesser extent than Abanikanda -- have impressed with the second-stringers.
It's a tightly contested competition, which is exactly what Dallas wanted. The last thing the front office should do is bring in another unproven young back. That is exactly why Jerry Jones should steer clear of disappointing second-year Steeler Kaleb Johnson, whose stock is as low as can be.
Steelers insider Jeff Hathron said on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh that Johnson could be cut because he doesn't contribute at all on special teams (h/t Andrew Fillipponi, 93.7 The Fan).
The Cowboys should steer clear if Steelers cut RB Kaleb Johnson
Johnson is clearly behind old friend Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren on Pittsburgh's RB depth chart. Third-string running backs must be able to play on special teams, and Johnson simply hasn't.
The Steelers deployed Johnson as a return specialist last year, and it was a disaster. He's reportedly been taking reps with the return unit in training camp, but that shouldn't be mistaken for a vote of confidence.
Johnson couldn't sniff the field as a rookie (he averaged 2.5 yards on his 28 carries), and the Steelers replenished the position this offseason, signing Dowdle to replace the departed Kenneth Gainwell. With Johnson waiting in the wings, they could have settled on a duo of Warren and Johnson. Clearly, they don't think Johnson is ready.
The 2025 third-round pick may benefit from a change of scenery, but why would Dallas bank on that galvanizing his career? Johnson's Iowa film was as fun as any RB in his class, but he's not the first former college star whose skills have not translated to the league.
Kaleb Johnson is not the answer to the Cowboys' RB2 conundrum
The Cowboys should continue to give Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah every opportunity to win the backup job. If neither rises to the occasion and Dallas feels a move is necessary, they shouldn't invest in another unproven youngster. Go after a veteran who knows the system, protects the football, and can do a job in pass protection.
Blue's quickness in the open field and pass-catching ability are the one thing this offense doesn't have, but it's not a requirement. It'd be a luxury.
The most important thing is that Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams have someone they trust behind Williams. Ideally, that player has more upside than Malik Davis, who was a pleasant surprise last season but has a defined ceiling at this point in his career.
If only because of his Iowa film, Johnson would be an enticing option if the Steelers cut him loose, but there's a reason his career hasn't gotten off the ground.
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