Improvement in the passing game is expected for the Steelers in 2023, Kenny Pickett‘s first full season as the team’s starting quarterback. Pittsburgh is nevertheless planning to rely heavily on the ground game, and a tandem or committee in the backfield does not appear likely. 
The Steelers have used Najee Harris as one of the league’s workhorse backs since drafting him in the first round in 2021. The Alabama product has received 579 carries in his two years in Pittsburgh, the most in the NFL over that span. The impressive showings this offseason from backup Jaylen Warren have led to calls for the latter to receive more looks, but Harris is still in line to operate as he has during his previous Steelers campaigns.
“Najee is our 1, there’s no doubt about that,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor (Twitter link). “We’re protecting him to get him to that point… We’re planning on Najee being Najee when we start the regular season.”
Harris dealt with a Lisfranc injury last offseason, and it comes as no surprise that the Steelers have given him only two carries so far in the preseason. Warren has similarly been used sparingly, but his 62-yard touchdown against the Bills showcased the potential he flashed as a rookie last season. The former UDFA totaled 593 scrimmage yards on 105 touches while taking a clear backseat to Harris.
Pittsburgh has been connected to the idea of only carrying two backs on the active roster to start the season, something which would not be a problem if Harris were able to remain healthy and continue as the undisputed No. 1 in the backfield. Efficiency has been an issue for the 25-year-old (3.9 career yards per carry average), but the Steelers’ efforts to provide him an upgraded O-line should help in that regard.
General manager Omar Khan‘s recent remarks about the financial state of the running back market pointed to a lack of desire to pursue a lucrative extension for Harris starting next offseason, when he will first be eligible for a new deal. A strong showing this season would help his market nonetheless, and he is poised to remain the focal point of Pittsburgh’s ground game in 2023.
Steelers are in a good situation here and should only get better with an upgraded line. While Harris is the main guy, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to give him a week off every 3 weeks for example and let Warren take the load (they can do an occasional substitution, just keep the Carrie’s very low). Keep them fresh through the season and hopefully reduce the chance of injury.
iPhone/autocorrect got you with the “Carrie’s” too, I see.
I agree with your comment though. Harris is the definition of a workhorse at the moment, and Warren is the quintessential “change of pace” (a term oft overused, but very fitting here). A Lisfranc injury is a pretty big impediment for a running back, though. Harris, like the Steelers’ QBs, hasn’t benefited from good line play since being in Pittsburgh, which has really affected his averages. Protecting him after that injury will be even more important, and adding Warren into the rotation will be a better way to keep him healthy and to give the offense more productivity overall.
Seems like a few media and blogger-types have been trying to create a running back controversy here where there really is none. Harris and Warren make a nice one-two punch and hopefully with a revamped line, Najee will have a big year
I like how the Steelers have looked this exhibition season. I like how national media is already jumping on the bandwagon
But whether we are talking about running backs, Pickett, Canada, the O-line or defense, it’s still only exhibition season.
Why not just wait a few weeks into the season before making assessments? We sure have a lot of individuals here who purport to be Steelers analysts and have a skewed sense of self importance
I think you already know the answer, but just in case, I’ll explain. This is America and social media exists and no one will ever wait a few weeks to make assessments ever again. It’s now. And then in a few weeks we can have a new now opinion where it doesn’t matter if we were wrong before, but if we were right, double down and feel like all knowing gods.
Well stated, and if it were only social media, I’d completely agree. I’m aware that the entire idea behind sports talk radio is to feed controversy, of course, but when a number of on air staff start pushing the running back switch narrative, it’s beyond stupid
I mean, we’re talking exhibition football here
I’m a fan and like anyone else, want to see the Steelers succeed. Social media is one thing and often the cesspool of opinions, and anyone can run a blog. It’s just funny to me that in this town, we have so many experts on the air
Thanks. Agree with your reply
There’s no way I could have a skewed sense of self importance because it takes me at least ten minutes just to skewer an olive in a cocktail drink.
LOL. Good comeback. Made my day
They’re keeping 3 QBs might want to keep 2 RBs.
How does Warren’s performance last year and this summer NOT earn him at least 25% of the touches this year? And if he averages 1.1 more yards per rush and 2.0 yards more a catch then he’s earned at least a 50/50 split.
How about;
Harris 70%
Warren 25%
McFadden 5%
the first four games and regroup after that
Who’s this McFadden character? you mean McFarland… and if he’d ever be given a shot he’d be better than Harris. But since he wasn’t a first round pick he is always overlooked