The Green Bay Packers are all set to take on the Minnesota Vikings next week to open the 2026 season. In true Packers form, there’s a bit of drama as Week 1 approaches. Josh Jacobs’ pending legal matters have raised a lot of questions about an unproven running back room.
The Packers look to be starting Marshawn Lloyd, who knock on wood, has made it through his first full training camp healthy.
Lloyd has been very vocal about how ready he feels to step into the RB1 role. Behind him is Chris Brooks who will bring some continuity as he enters year 3 with the green and gold.
The most intriguing unkown is Packers new RB Kaleb Johnson.
Here’s a closer look at this sophmore player.
Big Ten Powerhouse
Kaleb “Superman” Johnson was an absolute powerhouse for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He made his presence known early and often and 2 years ago had a monster season.
Johnson broke out in 2024, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries while averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. His efforts netted him a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten and consensus first-team All-American, not to mention the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year award.
Johnson is a patient runner, and has drawn a lot of comparison from national pundits to that of Le’Veon Bell. His style is as physical as it gets and he has explosive playmaking abilities.
Check out the highlight reel below of that breakout 2024 season.
Living In The Shadows In Pittsburgh
Kaleb was drafted by the Steelers in the 3rd Round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He may be new to Green Bay, but he certainly got the rookie experience of playing alongisde Packers legend Aaron Rodgers.
While Johnson was a highly touted prospect, he struggled to find his footing in a Steeler’s offense where opportunities were difficult to come by. Johnson spent much of the season in the shadows of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. That limited role prevented Johnson from ever finding much of a rhythm, and he finished his rookie campaign with just 28 carries for 69 yards while appearing in 10 games.
Needless to say the drop off as a rookie was steep. However, you really can’t discount how a lack of reps likely translated to not being able to adapt to the speed and physicality at the NFL level.
The Steelers traded Johnson to the Packers this past Sunday in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick. I absolutely love this signing and think a fresh start in Green Bay will help him reach his ceiling.
A Fresh Start With The Packers
I know I’ve used this reference in the past, but this again feels akin to the acquisition of a player like Rasul Douglas. Gutey really seems to have a knack for finding these hidden gems that just need a new environment to thrive in. Here’s what Johnson had to say after arriving at Lambeau.
The timing could not be better for Johnson. The Packers obviously had their ear to the ground planning on what to do in the instance that Josh Jacobs wasn’t available for Week 1.
Again, MarShawn Lloyd seems to currently be at the helm of the running back room. Chris Brooks will also certainly compete for opportunities, but Johnson now has a real shot at earning meaningful snaps. I also think he will hit the field sooner than later as the season gets underway.
At the end of the day it is a well deserved fresh start for Kaleb to get back to formula. As of now it really is all up for grabs to whoever steps up in the Packers backfield. Kaleb certainly has a legitmate chance to take the reins. He doesn’t need to replicate his Iowa production overnight, but if he can find a way to tap back into the smashmouth, explosive, and patient style of play that made him so effective in college, Green Bay could have a star ready to rise.
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