Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson prepared to step up in Jaylen Warren's absence: 'Whenever my number's called'

Alex Parker

u/alex

Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Jaylen Warren will be sidelined due to a knee injury, with Najee Harris expected to take on the majority of carries in his absence.

Why it matters: Warren's injury is a significant blow to the Steelers' running game, as he had been performing well in recent games and provided depth at the position.

  • In the Week 3 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris had 18 carries for 70 yards, showcasing his ability to handle a larger workload.

Yes, but: While Harris is capable of handling the increased carries, the lack of depth behind him could pose challenges for the Steelers' offense.

  • Cordarrelle Patterson, primarily signed as a kick returner, is expected to play a backup role at running back. He had four rushing attempts for 33 yards in the same game against the Chargers.

What to watch: The Steelers may need to rely more on their passing game, given the limited options in the running back position.

  • Harris has also shown versatility as a pass-catcher, which could alleviate some pressure on the ground game.

What's next: The team will monitor Warren's recovery and determine the length of his absence, potentially exploring additional options for depth at running back.

  • Patterson's readiness to contribute in various roles provides the coaching staff with flexibility and potential solutions in the backfield.
  • It remains to be seen how the Steelers will distribute carries and playing time between Harris and Patterson moving forward.

The bottom line: The absence of Jaylen Warren due to a knee injury puts the spotlight on Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson to carry the load in the Steelers' running game. Their performance will be crucial in maintaining offensive balance and effectiveness.