The Pittsburgh Steelers are ushering in a new era of offensive play-calling with the appointment of Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator. Charged with revitalizing the offense, Smith is steering the team towards a ground-focused strategy starting in the 2024 season.
One player at the center of this ground-heavy approach is running back Jaylen Warren, who has shown great promise since joining the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2022. However, Warren's momentum hit a snag during Saturday’s preseason clash against the Buffalo Bills. In the second quarter, he suffered a hamstring injury after catching a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite managing to walk off the field unassisted, Warren was swiftly listed as doubtful to return for the remainder of the game, which culminated in a 9-3 victory for the Bills. Before his unfortunate exit, Warren recorded three touches, amassing 14 yards as a receiver.
The injury to Warren is a setback for the Steelers as they look to evaluate their backfield depth in the preseason. Warren had a standout year in 2023, nearly reaching 800 rushing yards and securing 61 passes for 370 receiving yards. His growth trajectory had positioned him as a crucial component of Smith's run-heavy scheme, designed to maximize the efficacy of their rushing attack.
Najee Harris, the team's primary ball-carrier for the past three seasons, will continue to spearhead the rushing offense. Harris has been a model of consistency, surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark each season. During the Buffalo game, Harris, along with veteran reserves Cordarrelle Patterson and La'Mical Perine, received early carries, showcasing the team’s depth at the running back position.
Smith’s offensive designs place a significant emphasis on the health and performance of their running backs. With Warren's health now a concern, the Steelers' coaching staff will keenly monitor his recovery as preseason progress remains crucial for his return to full fitness. As Warren walked off the field without external aid, early indications suggest that his recovery might not be as prolonged as initially feared.
The Steelers are banking on their ground game to function as the bedrock of their offensive strategy under Smith’s stewardship. Warren’s potential return to health and Harris's reliable performances will be pivotal in setting the tone for the upcoming season. Balancing Warren’s recovery and reintegrating him into the lineup will no doubt be a priority for Smith and the coaching staff as they navigate the remainder of the preseason.
As the Steelers transition into a new offensive identity, the unfolding preseason narrative will test the resilience and depth of their roster. With key players like Warren recovering and the anticipation of a robust rushing attack, the Steelers' 2024 season looks to be laden with promise and potential.