The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running game has drawn a bit of concern this offseason. After the 2024 season ended, the Steelers allowed their former 2021 first-round draft pick Najee Harris to walk in free agency. They are moving onwards with Jaylen Warren, rookie Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell. Early reports out of training camp and what fans have seen in the preseason suggest the running game hasn’t gotten going. With so much change in the backfield, many are questioning if the Steelers will be able to find the consistency on the ground that has defined some of their most successful seasons.
NBC
Steelers' Najee Harris and Ben Roethlisberger talk before a snap during an away game.
For a team built around physical play and balance, the lack of early success in the run game is a troubling sign. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith have emphasized that their offensive identity will still revolve around toughness in the trenches, but without consistent production from the backs, that plan becomes difficult to execute. The Steelers’ offensive line will be under pressure to open lanes, and the backs themselves must take advantage of every opportunity.
If the preseason struggles continue into the regular season, questions about letting Harris walk will only grow louder in Pittsburgh. Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on the situation during his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday night. Roethlisberger admitted that Warren has proven himself as a tough, reliable back, but he also stressed the importance of having a steady rotation behind him.
"The run game," Roethlisberger said on his podcast Tuesday night. "I am concerned. I hadn’t seen it in the preseason. I hadn’t seen it in this last game. The reason I can say this, too, without divulging information from this Thursday’s practice, the players talked about it, and the reports reported that there was a lack of running the ball."
He pointed out that rookies like Johnson often take time to adjust to the speed of the NFL and that Gainwell, while experienced, hasn’t shown he can carry a heavy load over the course of a full season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson stiff arms Travis Hunter to the ground in a 2025 preseason game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His message was clear: the Steelers’ offense cannot rely solely on one running back, and the committee approach must quickly show results if Pittsburgh wants to avoid offensive struggles.
"How can it not be a concern when you got rid of your 1,000-yard rusher for all four years?" Roethlisberger asked. "Jaylen Warren is your one, I think. The young buck out of Iowa and Gainwell. All are very legit running backs, but you do not have a legit stud, and maybe that’s ok. Again, it’s going to come back to the line."
Roethlisberger was quick to point out he’s nervous about the state of the running game. However, it’s important to pump the brakes on overreactions here.
Steelers' Arthur Smith Likely Holding A Lot Back
It’s still the preseason, and Smith is likely saving a lot for the regular season. You also want to be careful in the preseason about what you put on film, so not everything has been revealed yet.
David Maialetti / Philadelphia Inquirer
Former Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell makes a move and breaks a tackle during a professional football game against the New England Patriots.
The Steelers’ practice reps in the running game are where the concern becomes a little more legitimate. In practice, the Steelers wouldn’t be holding back too much, so the fact that it has lagged behind the rest of the offense is a bit of a reason to worry. Roethlisberger admitted he’s uneasy, but he also pointed out that the Steelers do have three role players at running back who should be able to get things done in a committee approach.
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