This is the third in a series on the Steelers' roster as the team prepares to report to training camp at Saint Vincent College July 23. Today: Running back
Running backs: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kaleb Johnson, Evan Hull, Trey Sermon, Max Hurleman, DJ Thomas-Jones (FB)
Only three teams ran the ball more than the 533 times the Steelers did in 2024. Putting together a strong running game is a baseline factor in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's attack.
But Smith also has a very specific scheme he wants to run, one that utilizes outside zone running schemes. And while Najee Harris was a productive runner for the Steelers, going over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the team, outside zone runs weren't necessarily his cup of tea.
With that in mind, the Steelers didn't re-sign Harris in free agency, instead moving forward with Jaylen Warren as their lead back.
Entering his fourth season, Warren has been one of the league's top third-down and change-of-pace runners. An excellent pass blocker, Warren also has been one of the most efficient receivers out of the backfield in the NFL in his three seasons.
But he also has not recorded more than 149 carries in a season, which prompted the Steelers to add Kalen Johnson in the third round of the draft.
An accomplished outside zone runner, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing and rushing touchdowns in 2025 while averaging 6.4 yards per rushing attempt.
Johnson is a long strider who sees things well and is decisive as a runner. Paired with Warren, he could give the Steelers a nice one-two punch out of the backfield.
The Steelers also signed veteran Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. The backup to Saquon Barkley last season in Philadelphia, Gainwell is a speedy scatback who catches the ball well and offers breakaway speed as a runner.
Gainwell also is an accomplished kick returner, something the Steelers will utilize him to do with Warren taking on more of a role in the offense.
Veteran Cordarrelle Patterson had 135 rushing yards on 32 carries and also caught 12 passes for another 80 yards essentially serving as the Steelers' third running back. But the explosive kick returner averaged just 21.8 yards on his 11 returns in 2024, as most teams kicked away from him.
With adjustments to the kickoff rules this season that should lead to more returns, perhaps giving him more opportunities.
Veterans Evan Hull and Trey Sermon were also added in the offseason and come to the Steelers at crossroads in their career.
A fifth-round pick of the Colts in 2023, Hull has dealt with injuries in his two NFL seasons that have limited him to just two games.
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But the former Northwestern star has talent and could rejuvenate his career.
Sermon hopes to do the same thing. A third-round pick by the 49ers, Sermon has 134 career rushing attempts for 505 yards.
Rookies Max Hurleman and DJ Thomas-Jones round out the running back room.
Hurleman, undrafted out of Notre Dame, is an excellent receiver and could see time as a dual threat running back and wide receiver.
Thomas-Jones, meanwhile, is the only true fullback on the roster. The South Alabama star is going to have to show he can handle a full special teams workload, as well as being good blocker, to have a shot at making the roster.
