Why Lew Nichols III Is Emerging as the Steelers’ Next RB3

Lew Nichols III continues to be one of the Steelers’ most compelling depth‑chart risers, and his preseason opener against Green Bay reinforced that. He finished with 36 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown, running with the same urgency and clean footwork that made him a standout last summer. In a backfield that rotated heavily, Nichols looked like the most consistent option behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

Nichols played 23 snaps, the second‑most among Pittsburgh running backs — only rookie Eli Heidenreich logged more with 25. Despite that, Nichols was the most productive back on the field, turning his workload into efficient, forward‑finishing runs while staying clean in his assignments. His decisiveness and rhythm stood out in a game where several backs struggled to generate consistent movement.

Nichols’ style fits what the Steelers want in their West‑coast offense, where timing, footwork, and staying on schedule matter. He hits landmarks cleanly, gets downhill without hesitation, and avoids negative plays — traits that carry real weight in a scheme built around rhythm and consistency. His ability to stay square and finish forward gives the staff a dependable option when they need a back who won’t derail the structure of a drive.

All of that puts Nichols firmly in the mix for RB3. Travis Homer brings veteran experience, and Heidenreich is an intriguing rookie, but Nichols has stacked reliable preseason tape in Pittsburgh’s system for two straight years. If he continues to produce like he did against Green Bay, he has a legitimate chance to secure the third spot behind Warren and Dowdle.