Oftentimes when players are being tasked with taking on a bigger role, they won't admit to changing their offseason training program to prepare themselves to handle that increase.
Not so with Steelers running back Jaylen Warren.
With the departure of Najee Harris this offseason in free agency, Warren knows there could be more opportunities available for him in 2025. Because of that, he has adjusted his offseason training to be better able to handle that workload.
"I approached this off season differently," Warren said recently at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I did a lot more things for longevity wise, instead of my old-school training like just getting the cleats on and running 30 hills. I had to adapt. This game is about longevity. And like they say, the best ability is availability."
Warren has largely been available in his first three NFL seasons, playing in 48 of a possible 51 games. But he did miss two games in 2024 with a hamstring issue that slowed him at the start of the season. And even when he returned, the Steelers eased him back into things, leaning more heavily on Harris until Warren was up to speed.
He still produced 511 rushing yards on 120 carries while also catching 38 passes for another 310 yards. The 821 total yards were fewer than the 1,154 he produced in 2023, but more than the 593 he posted in his rookie season.
But Harris produced an average of 319 touches in his four seasons with the Steelers, meaning there are a lot of carries and catches to replace, including the 299 Harris posted in 2024, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's first with the team.
"Generally you've got 500-plus carries in a regular season," said Smith. "You're talking about 1,100 snaps. You would like to be on the plus side of 500. That means you're in more four-minute. Let's leave it at 500 carries to divvy up. That's kind of where you're at. Then obviously losing Naj (Harris), Naj for four years here, he was very durable, and that's a lot of missing carries."
Warren has trained this offseason to be the guy who handles the majority of that, or at least a bigger portion.
In 2023, he had 210 touches. Last season, that number was 158.
When asked this offseason if Warren can handle a higher volume of touches, head coach Mike Tomlin was succinct.
"Certainly," he said.
And in his final collegiate season at Oklahoma State, Warren showed he can handle that kind of load. He had 256 carries to go along with 25 receptions.
He just hasn't been asked to do it at the NFL level - yet.
With rookie Kaleb Johnson and free agent signing Kenneth Gainwell joining the team, they'll help offset some of those touches. But Warren is prepared to shoulder more of the load.
"No doubt about it, and that's the way I'm training," he said.
• Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a constant over the course of the Steelers' OTA sessions. A student of the game and the hub of communication on the back end of the team's defense, he feels there were too many instances last season when the defense wasn't all on the same page.
"There were too many instances where one guy thought one thing and another guy thought another, and then we weren't on the same page and that led to a big play," Fitzpatrick said. "I think that was one of the larger takeaways, for sure."
The Steelers participate in Day 2 of the 2025 Minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Aiden Williams (71) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Evan Hull (38) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods (16) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Domenique Davis (69) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale (96) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Harper (40) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025. (Taylor Ollason/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
They happen for every team. Offensive coordinators are good at creating defensive mistakes with pre-snap motion and throwing different looks at their opponents.
Cleaning those communication mistakes is a big part of the offseason program.
"Football, I think, should be black and white, in regards to execution and schematics," Fitzpatrick said. "There should be no gray. It should be, 'This is how we're doing it, this is how we're going to communicate.' If I give you a thumbs up, you give me a thumbs up back. If I give you a thumbs down, you give me a thumbs down back. It's as simple as that. So when guys aren't doing it or establishing this is what we're doing, if you don't want to do it, you ain't going to be here. You're not going to be on the field. Really pressing down and instilling that in everybody."
• The Steelers have often slow-played things with rookies over the years. That's why it was noteworthy, for example, in 2016 when Ryan Shazier opened minicamp with the first-team defense at inside linebacker.
So it was, as well, with 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon.
"He goes out there with the 1s," Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar said earlier this week. "He's our left starting defensive tackle."
How much that means Harmon will play in 2025 remains to be seen.
The Steelers play their "base" 3-4 defense about 25-30 percent of the time because they face so many three-receiver sets. That means that more often, they are in a nickel or dime defense, with only two defensive linemen on the field, so last season's starting left defensive end, Larry Ogunjobi, wound up playing just over 45 percent of the defensive snaps.
Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton saw the most time in the team's nickel and dime defensive tackles.
Harmon, who led all FBS defensive tackles in pressures last season with 55, 12 more than the next closest player, could push for time in the nickel and dime, as well.
"He's done a good job of bringing himself to camp in some kind of shape," Dunbar said. "He's really wired in."
• The Steelers' coaching staff won't lay eyes on the players again until they report to Saint Vincent College for training camp on July 23.
One thing fans need to keep in mind is that the roster will continue to evolve. First and foremost, players who aren't currently under contract can't attend minicamp.
And over the years, the Steelers have added some key pieces in the post-minicamp days.
In 2019, cornerback Joe Haden was signed at the end of training camp following his release by Cleveland.
In 2021, David DeCastro surprisingly retired on June 24, soon after the Steelers had finished minicamp. That led to the team signing guard Trai Turner a few days later as a replacement.
And in 2023, the Steelers signed linebacker Kwon Alexander on July 30, just a couple of days after reporting to Saint Vincent College.
Things happen. Rosters continue to evolve.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast Pittonline@iheartmedia.com
• The return of punter Cameron Johnston for OTAs has flown a little under the radar. The former Eagles' and Texans' punter was signed by the Steelers as a major addition last offseason, but suffered a major knee injury just two punts into the season when a player was blocked into his plant leg in the regular season opener.
That led to the Steelers bringing back Corliss Waitman as their punter for the remainder of the season. The lefty, who had spent the 2023 season with the Broncos after starting his career in Pittsburgh, averaged a solid 46.4 yards per punt with a net average of 41.9, which ranked 12th in the league.
Waitman also placed 27 kicks inside the opposing 20, which was 11th-best in the NFL and only had five touchbacks.
"Corliss did a great job, he really did," special teams coordinator Danny Smith said. "I couldn't ask for more out of him.
"It's going to be interesting. He was excellent."
But the Steelers also signed Johnston for a reason. He's a weapon. While he only had two punts in 2024, he averaged 51.5 yards on them. His career average is 47.3 yards.
"I just really appreciate his mindset regarding his rehabilitation, not only the things that you guys get to see out here, but throughout the process, he stayed engaged all year," Tomlin said of Johnston. "He was an asset to Corliss and others, he was ever present. He's a true professional and I respect it."
So, the Steelers actually have two very viable NFL punters on their roster, easily two of the top 32 in the league.
It might not sound like much, but it wouldn't be surprising if, by the end of training camp, the Steelers are fielding trade offers for one of their punters.
