The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of new faces at critical positions heading into the 2025 season. Of course, the running back room is one that certainly checks that box. After leaning on Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to handle most of the workload in 2024, the Steelers decided to part ways with Harris and rework the backfield. They committed to a trio featuring rookie Kaleb Johnson from Iowa, Warren, and newly acquired Kenneth Gainwell.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren carries the football during a team practice session as he continues preparing for an expanded role in Pittsburgh’s backfield ahead of the 2025 season.
While the group offers a mix of youth, speed, and versatility, it also comes with plenty of question marks. Johnson is untested at the professional level, Gainwell has yet to establish himself as more than a rotational piece, and Warren, though explosive, has never carried the full responsibility of a lead back. There is promise in the unit, but it lacks a proven, every-down option, which has led to skepticism from both fans and analysts.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is among those with concerns about the backfield. On a recent episode of his podcast Footbahlin, Roethlisberger pointed to the uncertainty in the running back room as one of the team’s biggest question marks entering the season. He specifically expressed doubt about whether Warren can handle an every-down role, highlighting what could become a lingering issue if no clear leader emerges.
"Third reason for concern, I would maybe say, is the 'unprovenness' of the running backs," Roethlisberger said. "You got Warren, but Warren, I don’t think is your every-down kind of guy."
It’s honestly a very fair take from Roethlisberger when it comes to Warren. The former undrafted running back has carved out a strong start to his career in Pittsburgh, proving to be an explosive and reliable playmaker. However, injuries have started to become a concern. While Harris never missed a start in his four seasons with the Steelers, Warren has not had that same durability. That is the first red flag when evaluating the running back room, but it is also part of the reason Pittsburgh brought in Gainwell and drafted Johnson.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson runs around a defender as the team practices during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
It feels like Johnson could eventually step into the role Harris once filled, while Warren gets a slight increase in usage and Gainwell is deployed in bursts and situational packages. On paper, this running back group might not look all that impressive, but it has the potential to quietly be one of the more efficient units in the league. There is depth, versatility, and if everything is executed properly, the Steelers could strike the right balance with a three-man rotation that brings speed, power, and consistency.
Still, Roethlisberger is not fully convinced. He believes once the pads come on during training camp, it will be much easier to evaluate just how good this group can be. For now, he has some reservations especially when it comes to whether Warren can handle the workload of an every-down back. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, that might not be necessary. If Johnson lives up to expectations, Warren can continue doing what he does best without the pressure of carrying the entire load.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Should Have Huge Season In 2025
The time is now for Warren to have a breakout season in 2025. He has performed well enough so far to become the running back Pittsburgh decided to keep after Harris’ departure. With Harris gone, Warren finally has a real opportunity to prove he can be a reliable, lead back in the NFL.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' running back Jaylen Warren runs with the football during practice.
He is expected to see a significant increase in carries and touches, and if he capitalizes on that chance, many around the league may start to view him much differently. Another key element to watch in this Steelers offense is how quickly Johnson is trusted with the bulk of the carries or how that split is divided. If Johnson starts to become the lead back, Warren will have less pressure on him.
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