The Pittsburgh Steelers have an exceptional tandem of running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Both guys bring a little something different to the table. But there is no way these two end up with a perfectly even split in terms of carries.
Harris is listed as the starter but ESPN’s Dan Graziano says don’t be surprised if Warren takes over the lead role at some point in the season. Here’s what Graziano had to say about it:
But Warren’s performance in practice and games has demanded a larger role for him than what Pittsburgh had planned a year ago. He has shown the ability to spell Harris whenever asked, and he has actually looked more explosive in some areas. Unless Harris looks more like the 2021 version of himself than the 2022 version, Warren’s opportunity could increase dramatically as the year goes on. Warren, a 2022 undrafted free agent, took 77 carries for 379 yards last season.
We will dig more into the pros and cons of both of these excellent backs as the first game approaches but it is hard not to agree with Graziano in this one. An area of emphasis for head coach Mike Tomlin has been creating more explosive, splash plays. If this is the measure, Warren is definitely the better option.
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