As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes are on their ground game, which is set to undergo a significant transformation under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Known for his run-heavy strategy, Smith's approach is expected to leverage the talents of Pittsburgh's dynamic backfield. However, recent developments could pose a challenge to these plans.
Key Injury to Jaylen Warren
In their latest preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, veteran running back Jaylen Warren suffered a hamstring injury. This injury, which occurred on Saturday, is anticipated to sideline Warren for several weeks, casting doubt on his availability for the season opener. Despite the setback, Warren managed to walk off the field under his own power, but he was swiftly ruled doubtful to return to the game.
Prior to his exit, Warren had made a notable impact, logging three touches and amassing 14 yards as a receiver. His dynamic presence in the Steelers' backfield has been a vital component of the team's balanced attack, particularly with his ability to split carries with starting running back Najee Harris. Warren, who caught a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson in the second quarter against the Bills, has been a consistent performer since joining the team as an undrafted player in 2022. Last season, he came close to 800 rushing yards and recorded 61 receptions for 370 receiving yards.
Depth in the Backfield
The hamstring injury to Warren places added pressure on Najee Harris and the other backfield options to pick up the slack. Harris, who has been Pittsburgh's lead ball-carrier for the past three seasons, was active in the game against Buffalo. Known for his durability and consistent performance, Harris has surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark each season. With Warren's absence, Harris will need to shoulder an even greater load to maintain the team's potent ground attack.
Veteran reserves Cordarrelle Patterson and La'Mical Perine also saw action against Buffalo, indicating that they may be called upon to fill the void left by Warren's injury. The Steelers' coaching staff will be closely monitoring Warren's rehabilitation process, as his recovery timeline remains crucial for the team's aspirations this season.
Looking Toward the Regular Season
There are a few weeks left before the regular season begins, providing some time for Warren to recover. However, the Steelers must prepare for the possibility that he might not be ready for the opener. The coaching staff and medical team will undoubtedly exercise caution in Warren's rehabilitation, aiming to ensure that he returns to full strength without risking further injury.
The Steelers' upcoming season hinges on their ability to execute a powerful running game, a cornerstone of Arthur Smith's offensive strategy. The combination of Harris and Warren, when healthy, presents a formidable duo capable of challenging opposing defenses. However, with Warren's status in question, the team will need to rely on its depth and the resilience of its players to navigate this early-season hurdle.
Despite the setback against the Buffalo Bills, where the Steelers lost 9-3, the veteran presence of Najee Harris and the potential contributions from Patterson and Perine provide a glimmer of hope. As the team continues its preparations, the focus will remain on building a cohesive and effective ground game that can set the tone for their 2024 campaign.
Ultimately, the Steelers' success this season will depend significantly on their ability to adapt to challenges and make the most of their talent. Jaylen Warren's return will be eagerly anticipated, but until then, the team must rally together and find ways to perform at a high level, ensuring that their ground game remains a cornerstone of their offensive strategy.