By Evan Massey

Copyright newsweek

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a brutal loss in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. A big part of that loss was due to a horrible mistake on rookie running back Kaleb Johnson’s part.On a kickoff in the second half, Johnson allowed the football to bounce into the end zone. It was a live football and Johnson ignored it and started running to the sideline. The Seahawks recovered the kickoff in the end zone and scored a touchdown.Johnson didn’t see the field again after that mistake during the game.Read more: NFL Insider Reveals Expected Date for Browns’ QB ChangeMoving forward, there are real questions about Johnsons’ role with the Steelers. He’ll have to earn trust back from head coach Mike Tomlin, but that could take some time.With that being said, Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger spoke out and didn’t hold back about the rookie running back.”After [Week 1], not getting much action, and [Week 2], that [kickoff return mistake] happening, unless injuries or something happen, we may not see him again the rest of the year,” Roethlisberger said. “There’s a chance; I don’t want to call it a doghouse, but it’s tough. It’s a tough place, tough situation.”Coming off of his college career at Iowa, Johnson looked like a potential future NFL starter. That potential remains, but his mistake against Seattle was an obvious sign that he still has some growing up and focusing to do.Through two games, Johnson has only carried the football twice and has recorded -1 yards. His role within the offense was already minimal. Losing trust on special teams could take his rookie season role completely away from him.During his final season in college, Johnson’s potential really showed. In 2024, he ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught 22 passes for 188 yards and two more touchdowns.Read more: Bears QB Caleb Williams Sends Confident Message After 0-2 StartHopefully, Johnson can quickly learn from his mistake. He’s more than capable of being a playmaker for the Steelers if he can get everything in order.It will be interesting to see what Johnson can provide for Pittsburgh throughout the rest of the 2025 season. Tomlin will have some decisions to make, but Roethlisberger could be 100 percent right with his opinion on the rookie.For more on the Pittsburgh Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.