Steelers Fans Receive Important Update From Arthur Smith About Struggling Run Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers' running game is supposed to be a strength in the 2025 season. The issue is the fact that there is a lot of new personnel within the offense. It is now Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith’s second season in the Steel City, and his first year in Pittsburgh was met with mixed reactions from both pundits and fans. With Aaron Rodgers now at quarterback, even at the age of 41, the importance of a physical and imposing rushing attack becomes even more critical to the overall success of the team.

Despite expectations, Steelers insiders have reported that the run game has looked disappointing throughout the offseason and into the preseason. The offensive line has struggled to consistently create push at the point of attack, and the running backs have yet to find a rhythm. For a team that prides itself on physical football and balance on offense, these early struggles have raised concerns about whether the ground game can live up to its billing as a key strength in 2025.

Smith, however, expressed a measure of optimism when speaking with Brian Batko on Monday. He revealed that he felt the running game finally started to find some traction in the Steelers’ second preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night. While it was far from perfect, Smith pointed out that the offense showed flashes of the physical identity he has been trying to instill. 

"I thought it got going," Smith told the Pittsburgh media on Monday. "That was good to see."

If Pittsburgh can build on that momentum, the run game may still evolve into the reliable weapon the Steelers desperately need to support Rodgers and take pressure off the passing attack. 

With rookie Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, and Kenneth Gainwell in the mix, the group doesn’t feature huge names, but it does bring both talent and depth. If Smith can figure out how to get the ground game humming, it will be a major win for Rodgers and the entire offense.

"You just want to see that progress, and certainly [Saturday] was good for him," Smith told the media. "It was good to see him get going and that's why we left him in there."

Johnson rushed the ball eight times for just 20 yards in his first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his second game against the Buccaneers, Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 50 rushing yards and added one catch for nine receiving yards. It wasn’t a game-breaking performance from the rookie, but he showed clear progress from his debut.

Steelers' Running Game Starting To Go In The Right Direction

Smith liked what he saw and expressed confidence that Johnson will continue to thrive as the 2025 season goes on. Warren has been the backup to Najee Harris, but after the 2024 season, the Steelers let Harris walk in free agency. Now Warren is stepping into a much larger role, and Johnson will also be relied upon heavily as a rookie. Gainwell, meanwhile, won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 NFL season as a backup running back, bringing valuable experience to the room.

The Steelers have the pieces in place, but now it’s about gelling together and finding consistency. A lot of the pressure on this rushing attack will fall on Johnson and how quickly he can establish himself. Smith has faith in his young back and believes the ground game is beginning to trend in the right direction.

What do you expect to see from Smith's run game in the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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