Raiders emerge as potential Steelers trade partner after Ashton Jeanty injury

Raiders emerge as potential Steelers trade partner after Ashton Jeanty injury.

Key points

• 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.
• The Las Vegas Raiders are suddenly in the market for a short- to long-term option at running back after Ashton Jeanty's apparent leg injury.
• During the Raiders' practice session on Sunday, Jeanty was diving for a catch and "landed awkwardly, " suffering an apparent leg injury.
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• If the Steelers don't view Johnson as a near-future contributor.

Notably, the Las Vegas Raiders are suddenly in the market for a short- to long-term option at running back after 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 feasible 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 afterwards disclosed to be an ankle injury and the setback isn't considered long-term, Las Vegas would be wise to offer Pittsburgh a call concerning 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 support 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 additionally 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. It 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 create.

In short, raiders emerge as potential Steelers trade partner after Ashton Jeanty injury is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.