Steelers' Arthur Smith Detailed How The Running Back Workload Will Be Split

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it clear they wanted to see something different out of their running back room when they let 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris walk in free agency. Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after the 2024 season, leaving a significant void in Pittsburgh’s backfield. In response, the Steelers are rolling out a three-man committee featuring Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, and Kenneth Gainwell. With Harris gone, questions naturally arise about how the workload will be divvied up, and which backs will emerge as primary contributors in the early stages of the season.

Johnson, in particular, has generated a lot of buzz. While he is listed as RB3 on the depth chart, many expect him to make an immediate impact and start stealing carries from Warren at some point. Johnson’s speed, versatility, and pass-catching ability make him a potential game-changer, and the Steelers coaching staff seems eager to get him involved early. Fans and analysts alike are closely watching how the rotation will develop, knowing that the success of Pittsburgh’s offense may hinge on an effective distribution of touches among the three backs.

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith addressed the situation on Thursday while speaking with Brian Batko and other Steelers reporters. Smith emphasized that the team’s approach will be flexible, designed to get each back the right opportunities based on game plan and matchups. He made it clear that depth chart designations are not set in stone and that Johnson’s role could expand quickly if he proves himself in practice and early-season games. 

"You look at the totality of the season, and if we're playing longer, that's a lot of carries to divvy out. So it could change week-to-week, something could come up, but all three of those guys would be ready," Smith said.

With Smith at the helm for his second season in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are looking to build a dynamic and unpredictable backfield that keeps defenses off balance while giving each player a chance to shine. 

The Steelers had hoped their running back room would perform better in the 2024 season. Harris wasn’t able to live up to the lofty expectations, and Warren couldn’t stay healthy, as Smith pointed out.

Steelers' Jaylen Warren Looking To Prove He's A Feature Back In The 2025 Season

Now, with Warren healthy and recently rewarded with an extension to keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season, many are expecting him to have a big year in 2025. He should start the season as the lead back, giving him his first real chance to prove he can be a feature back in the NFL. Warren’s burst and ability out of the backfield in both pass protection and as a receiver have earned him significant hype in the Steel City. However, he will need to sustain that level of play while handling a heavier workload. Protecting the football will also be crucial, as fumbles have been a challenge in his career.

Johnson and Gainwell will have roles as well, with Johnson poised to start earning more opportunities for the lead back role as the season progresses. The Steelers may begin the season with Warren and Gainwell receiving the bulk of touches, as Mike Tomlin and Smith rely on their veteran players while easing Johnson into the offense as a rookie. All three running backs will need to perform at a high level if Pittsburgh wants to contend in the 2025 season.

What are your expectations for this new-look Steelers running back room featuring Warren, Johnson, and Gainwell? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation