Release Of Former Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson Has Opened  Massive Window For Young Playmaker

A surprising development in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield situation has quietly handed an opportunity to one player few expected: with the release of former Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson, tension-free space has emerged, and Trey Sermon has positioned himself, almost slot‑like, to slide right into it.

Sermon was given a very good opportunity once Patterson was released, which is why fans and the media alike are paying close attention to how the ball-carrier performs during the team development stage.

The assessment  above speaks volumes, especially now that Patterson, a dynamic special teams ace and occasional offensive contributor, is off the roster. Sermon isn’t vying to lead the backfield; he’s looking to carve a niche where it truly matters.

With Patterson gone, special teams responsibilities must shift, particularly in kick coverage and on return units. Under special teams coordinator Danny Smith, the Steelers’ special teams unit has thrived with detail-oriented aggressors who punch above their weight. 

Sermon has shown flashes of physicality and tenacity in camp. A standout run in a padded period, captured on video, saw him break a tackle and run over a defender. That play isn’t just a highlight reel; it signals he understands what Smith covets: effort, discipline, and toughness.

The running back room features Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and rookie Kaleb Johnson, all of whom bringing varied skill sets. Sermon’s path to the 53‑man roster hinges on outshining others on coverage, punt protection, and perhaps kickoff return depth. His offseason journey, signing with the Steelers in May on a one-year deal after hitting free agency following his 2023 season with the Indianapolis Colts, was hardly expected to pan out this way, but training camp has given him traction.

Winning consistently in one‑on‑one matchups, even when he’s not in the offensive rotation, gives Sermon a statistical and qualitative edge over others who haven’t made similar impressions. That aligns perfectly with Wallace’s core message; opportunity is scarce, but Sermon is maximizing the reps he does get.

With Patterson's release removing a veteran presence from the roster and special teams, someone needs to fill that void immediately. Sermon’s physical approach could make him a candidate to take over gunner duties or wedge blocker reps. That doesn’t mean Sermon will get many offensive touches, but if he earns and retains a special teams role, his roster chances rise significantly. 

Teams rarely carry extra running backs who don’t contribute on special teams. Sermon’s consistent camp performance, plus bodies vacated on units that Patterson previously handled, create a direct link.

Steelers Need To Do The Math On If Sermon Can Deliver

In a way, Sermon is auditioning for a Patterson‑type role but on a far leaner budget and with far fewer expectations. He won’t bring Patterson’s home run capability, but over 90‑man camp and as the roster trims to 53, coaches will value roster players who can play multiple roles. Sermon’s steady 1v1 wins, physicality in drills, and special teams grit all check those boxes. 

If he continues riding his current wave, Sermon could emerge as a useful fourth running back and a key special teams contributor. That path wouldn’t exist without Patterson’s departure. Suddenly, a “massive window” has opened, and Sermon is at the threshold, ready to step through. 

Sermon “has made the most of his opportunities and has been solid in 1v1s,” according to SteelerNation Editor and Chief, Brandon Wallace. That truth that now resonates far more deeply than it might have a month ago, given the changing landscape in Pittsburgh’s roster.

Do you think Sermon has done enough on special teams to secure a roster spot, or should the Steelers look elsewhere for Patterson’s replacement? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation