Steelers Make Quick Move To Release Veteran Running Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of new faces and new rooms on their offense. One of the most notable changes has been the running back room as it still has Jaylen Warren, but he’s likely to take on an expanded role now that Najee Harris is no longer in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have since drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

He’s expected to come in and be handed a big role as a rookie and they also have Kenneth Gainwell. Those are the three running backs expected to carry the load of this Arthur Smith offense. On Thursday it was revealed by the Steelers that they would be releasing veteran running back Jonathan Ward.

Warren has shown steady growth and versatility since joining the Steelers, making him a natural choice to lead this revamped backfield. Johnson’s arrival adds fresh talent and athleticism, bringing a new dynamic element to the ground game. Gainwell’s experience and receiving ability out of the backfield make him an important complementary piece. Together, this trio fits well into Smith’s scheme, which emphasizes physicality and playmaking in the running game.

The decision to release Ward marks a clear shift toward youth and potential in the backfield. Ward’s veteran presence was valuable, but the Steelers seem committed to developing their younger backs and creating a more explosive offense. With Smith at the helm and this running back group, Pittsburgh hopes to establish a dominant and balanced attack in the 2025 season.

The hope heading into the 2024 NFL season was that the Steelers would establish a dominant, ground-and-pound offense built around Harris and Warren. It was a vision that fit Smith’s style perfectly. Unfortunately, injuries derailed Warren’s season, and while Harris was serviceable, he failed to deliver the kind of impact the team needed. 

He struggled to consistently produce explosive plays or take over games, which led to the Steelers deciding not to offer him a new deal. Pittsburgh quickly made it clear they were moving on, and Harris eventually signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. His departure marked a major turning point in the evolution of the Steelers' backfield.

The 2024 season ultimately fell short of expectations, especially in the run game, which never found its rhythm in Smith’s first year as offensive coordinator. Without a dominant rushing attack to lean on, the Steelers offense lacked the identity and consistency it needed to compete at a high level. 

However, the outlook for 2025 is far more promising. The offensive line, which struggled with injuries and inexperience last season, is expected to be healthier, more cohesive, and significantly improved. Several young players are now entering their second or third years with valuable reps under their belts, and that continuity could pay major dividends.

Steelers' Run Game Could Turn Heads In The 2025 NFL Season

If the offensive line takes the leap the Steelers are hoping for, the running game could become a legitimate strength. Warren, now healthy and more experienced, is poised to lead the charge. Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact with his speed and vision, while Gainwell adds versatility as both a runner and receiver. 

Together, this trio has the tools to thrive in Smith’s physical, run-first scheme. If everything comes together, Pittsburgh’s run game might not only bounce back but could surprise plenty of analysts across the league in 2025. 

There aren’t many who truly feel confident that Pittsburgh’s running back room is going to be solid. However, if the offensive line takes a step forward, Smith settles in during his second season calling the offense, and the arrival of a high-IQ quarterback like Aaron Rodgers helps open things up, the Steelers could be in for a turnaround. With fewer stacked boxes and improved offensive cohesion, Pittsburgh has a real chance to turn heads in the 2025 NFL season.

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