The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed gears for the upcoming 2024 season with the arrival of their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, who is expected to implement a more ground-focused offensive strategy. With the emphasis on running the ball, the health and performance of the team's running backs will be under a sharper lens.
Injury Setback for Jaylen Warren
During Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers faced an early setback as running back Jaylen Warren suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter. The incident occurred as Warren caught a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite the immediate concern, Warren managed to walk off the field under his own power but was swiftly ruled doubtful to return to the game.
Before his exit, Warren showcased his reliability with three touches, gaining 14 yards as a receiver. Unfortunately, his premature departure couldn’t prevent the Steelers from falling to a 9-3 defeat against the Bills. This injury cast a shadow on what could have been a promising showing for the undrafted free agent who joined the team in 2022 and made significant strides in 2023, nearing 800 rushing yards and securing 61 passes for an impressive 370 receiving yards.
Critical Role of Running Backs
This pivotal change towards a run-centric offense means that Arthur Smith’s strategy will lean heavily on the running backs. Najee Harris, who has been the team's lead ball-carrier for the past three seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards each season, remains central to this plan. Alongside Harris, veteran reserves like Cordarrelle Patterson and La'Mical Perine were also active in the recent game against Buffalo, taking on early carries in the contest.
Warren’s contributions since joining the Steelers highlight his potential within this new offensive framework. Still, his unfortunate injury underscores the unpredictable challenges NFL teams face as they gear up for the season. The complexity of Warren’s recovery will inevitably play a significant role in the Steelers' preseason progress, as they evaluate their depth and readiness for a run-heavy offense.
Preseason Preparations
While the preseason serves as a testing ground, all eyes will be on the healing process of Jaylen Warren. Ensuring the running back’s full recovery is essential to leveraging the ground game to its maximum potential. As the Steelers advance towards the regular season, the effectiveness of Arthur Smith’s strategy will be intertwined with the health and stamina of their key players, particularly in their running back rotation.
Ultimately, the team's objective remains clear: to maximize their ground game and capitalize on the skill sets of their backs. As the new season approaches, the Steelers will be keen to fine-tune their strategy, strengthen their squad's health, and seamlessly integrate their renewed ground-oriented playbook.