Insider Hints That Steelers Already Have Plan To Replace Connor Heyward In The Tush Push

The Pittsburgh Steelers look very different as training camp approaches in 2026 compared to 2025. The majority of the coaching staff is completely different, while many new faces were added via the trade and free agency markets. However, the team remains committed to winning now as opposed to rebuilding. A lot of fresh strategies could be deployed in order for the franchise to achieve the goal of winning a matchup in the playoffs, so it will be interesting to see what tricks Mike McCarthy has up his sleeve as he takes over the locker room. The offense is expected to get some kind of boost.

Aaron Rodgers returning to be the quarterback should provide a little bit of continuity. Additionally, the veteran being so familiar with McCarthy should allow for the offense to get up to speed as a collective a little bit quicker. The defense will have plenty of talent, similar to what is has possessed in recent seasons, but the other side of the ball could be what helps the organization get over the hump in January.

A lot of fans might want to focus on impressive stat-lines on a weekly basis; however, there are other parts of football that matter just as much. Possession situations can be critical, so converting on third and/or fourth downs should be en emphasis for McCarthy. One spot that remains in question is what the Steelers did relatively well in 2025. Connor Heyward executed the "tush push" more often than not when given the chance.

With the hybrid player leaving in free agency to join the Las Vegas Raiders, it's fair to wonder if the strategy will still be used; and, if it is, who will be the player running it. In a recent fan chat with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the insider was asked about this and what the plans could be. It was clearly hinted that the coaching staff could very well already have a player in mind.

"The Polish Push Tush guy," Dulac wrote.

The Steelers drafted Riley Nowakowski in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He has the potential to be a do-it-all type of guy for the offense and on special teams. Dulac didn't mention him by name, but the playmaker has already verbally said since being drafted that he is Polish and that his family eats Polish sausage during the holiday season. 

It would say a lot if Pittsburgh decided to trust him with this important role, but he will have all of training camp to get his feet wet and try to replicate what Heyward was able to do so consistently.

Heyward had 15 rushes in 2025 and 11 of them went for first downs. That shows just how effective he was when given the opportunity to pick up a little bit of yardage. There's no telling whether or not McCarthy will want to roll out this kind of package, but it makes little sense not to because of how good the Steelers were just a year ago when doing it.

Having a 42-year-old quarterback in Rodgers limits what he is able to do under center. It would be especially unwise to force him to try and convert some kind of sneak. This is why using a big-bodied guy like Nowakowski could work out in Pittsburgh's favor. The rookie stands at 6'2" and is roughly 250 pounds. That is someone who will be able to get a yard or two in key situations.

Steelers Didn't Draft Nowakowski Without Having A Plan For Him

A lot goes into the draft process, and a new coaching staff wouldn't go ahead and take a hybrid offensive player without having a vision. What the responsibilities for Nowakowski will be remains to be seen; however, it feels as if he could be jumping into a crucial role right away. If it fails, the Steelers might regret letting Heyward walk in free agency.

#SteelerNation