Steelers' Run Game Remains An Issue Despite Preseason Win and Joint Practice

One of the critical factors for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ success this season will be the effectiveness of their run offense. Despite offseason changes to the running back room, the ground game continues to be a point of concern.

In Saturday’s preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Steelers’ rushing attack was notably underwhelming. Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson—expected to be a key contributor this season—managed just 20 yards on eight carries, averaging 2.5 yards per attempt. As a unit, Pittsburgh rushed for only 66 yards on 25 attempts, a modest 2.6 yards per carry.

These struggles were further underscored during Thursday’s joint practice session against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where the results were equally discouraging. Tampa Bay’s defensive front, anchored by nose tackle Vita Vea, dominated the line of scrimmage. Vea consistently overwhelmed Steelers linemen with his bull rush, disrupting run plays before they could develop.

Running back Jaylen Warren, who did not play in the Jaguars game, was reportedly tackled for a loss during one rep—highlighting the offensive line’s ongoing inability to establish control at the point of attack. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, known for his zone-heavy schemes, has yet to see his concepts translate effectively on the field. A lack of cohesion and depth along the offensive line continues to hinder the evaluation of backs like Johnson and Warren.

With Aaron Rodgers and other veterans expected to sit out Saturday’s game against Tampa Bay, the Steelers will once again rely on backups to carry the load. If Pittsburgh hopes to build a balanced offense around Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf, the run game must show marked improvement. Otherwise, the team risks becoming one-dimensional, allowing opposing defenses to focus on the pass and dictate the pace of play.