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Should I drop Kaleb Johnson for fantasy football Week 2? Is Kaleb Johnson a safe player to cut? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.
Kaleb Johnson was almost invisible during offensive snaps in Week 1, leaving fantasy managers wondering if the rookie will carve out a role this season. For a player who drew plenty of buzz as a potential sleeper during draft season, his lack of usage was disappointing. Is he worth holding onto, or is it smarter to pivot toward a player with a clearer path to touches?
The Steelers spent a third-round pick on the former Iowa standout, and that level of draft capital suggests the team expects him to make an impact sooner rather than later. Still, patience can be difficult when production isn’t immediate, especially in fantasy formats with limited roster spots. Fantasy football is a week-to-week game, and managers often don’t have the luxury of waiting for a rookie to develop while points are left on the table.
The real question becomes whether you wait and see if Johnson emerges, or move on now in favor of a veteran like Kenneth Gainwell, or another rookie riser such as Dylan Sampson.
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Should I Drop Kaleb Johnson in Fantasy Football?
Johnson’s role in Week 1 was discouraging. He was used primarily on special teams, while the Steelers leaned on the steady hands of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren to protect Aaron Rodgers. That deployment suggests the coaching staff trusts their veterans for now, especially with a franchise quarterback who thrives on timing and protection.
Still, it’s important not to overreact to a single game. Rookie running backs often start slow before breaking out as the season progresses. Johnson’s physical tools are undeniable — he has the burst, power, and vision to be the most dynamic back on Pittsburgh’s roster. The Steelers didn’t draft him in the third round to be a permanent kick returner. His path to relevance is simply on a slower timeline.
If you’re in a deeper league or have strong bench depth, Johnson is a classic stash candidate. The payoff could be significant if he works his way into a rotation or takes over as the lead option later in the year. Dropping him too early could mean watching a league mate grab him when his breakout finally comes.
Reminder to stop sleeping on Kaleb Johnson pic.twitter.com/8tADolHIAI
— Chris Ferland 🐝 (@chris_ferland) August 28, 2025
History provides plenty of examples where waiting paid off. Think back to rookies like David Montgomery, Cam Akers, or even James Cook, who didn’t see consistent touches right away but became difference-makers later in their rookie years. Johnson has the skill set to follow a similar trajectory.
The Steelers also have a history of leaning heavily on their backs once they trust them. If Johnson can earn the confidence of the coaching staff in practice and prove himself in limited game reps, his usage could spike quickly. Injuries or inefficiency from Gainwell or Warren could also accelerate his rise.
For fantasy managers in dynasty or keeper formats, Johnson’s value is even clearer. His combination of draft capital and talent makes him worth holding onto in almost every scenario. In redraft leagues, the decision is more dependent on roster construction and immediate needs.
Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football?
If you can’t afford to wait on Johnson, Dylan Sampson is a strong waiver wire pivot. Unlike Johnson, Sampson already carved out a meaningful role in Week 1. He led his team in carries and was also active in the passing game, drawing eight targets. That type of dual usage is gold in fantasy football, especially in PPR formats.
Sampson’s opportunity comes partly because Quinshon Judkins is still acclimating to the playbook and building up reps in practice. While Judkins may eventually carve out his own role, Sampson has the trust of the coaching staff right now and is producing when given touches. That’s the kind of short-term value that fantasy managers in need of immediate help can’t overlook.
Perhaps the most surprising part is that Sampson remains widely available. Rostered in just 46% of Yahoo! leagues, he’s one of the best early-season pickups still sitting on the wire. If you’re weighing whether to drop Johnson, Sampson is exactly the type of player you’d want to pivot toward — someone with both usage and upside.
Love how Dylan Sampson executed this pivot route. Got in and out of it so fluently like a WR and the difficult catch plus getting some YAC after to add on to it. The young man had a day in his debut. pic.twitter.com/XtenBpdwMM
— Cam White (@RouteUniverse9) September 9, 2025
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Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Bhayshul Tuten, Trey Benson, Ollie Gordon II, Tyler Allgeier, Najee Harris, DJ Giddens:
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