Steelers RB Najee Harris (oblique) remained sidelined on Thursday. He's looking like a long shot to play vs. the Falcons this weekend. RB Benny Snell was added to Thursday's injury report and limited in practice with a knee. We'll check back on his status tomorrow.
Steelers RB Najee Harris (oblique) did not practice on Wednesday. While his injury reportedly isn't serious, Harris seems no better than 50/50 to play vs. the Falcons this weekend. RB Jaylen Warren (hamstring) was a full go on Wednesday -- confirmation that he'll be back for Sunday's game. We'd expect Warren to lead Pittsburgh's backfield in touches -- ahead of Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland -- if Harris sits.
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren told reporters Wednesday that doctors have cleared him to return from the hamstring injury that cost him Monday night's game against the Colts. He expects to play Sunday against the Falcons. That should put him ahead of Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland Jr. if Najee Harris (abdomen) is unable to go. The lack of clarity on Harris' status for that high-upside matchup makes Warren a solid waiver-wire addition where available.
Steelers RB Najee Harris' status for Sunday's game vs. the Falcons is "up in the air," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Harris' abdominal injury is not major, Rapoport adds, so this shouldn't be a long-term absence. But Pittsburgh's backfield is in flux right now with both Harris and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) iffy for Week 13. If both guys miss, Benny Snell figures to operate as Pittsburgh's lead back, with Anthony McFarland in a change-of-pace role.
The Steelers released RB Anthony McFarland. The 2020 4th-rounder never seemed to make a push for the #2 RB job this offseason. Pittsburgh is rolling with RBs Jaylen Warren and Benny Snell behind RB Najee Harris.
Steelers beat writer Chris Adamski writes that the #2 RB job is “wide open” between Anthony McFarland, Benny Snell and UDFAs Jaylen Warren and Mataeo Durant. “I’ve had a lot of setbacks, but I’ve learned a lot,” McFarland said. “Coming into Year 3, I’m feeling more comfortable and understanding what it is that I want my role to be to help the team out. I know there is a lot of doubt in my game. That’s what happens when you haven’t stepped on the field and showed much. But that’s what makes me hungry.” Veteran status makes McFarland and Snell the early favorites. But it’s quite possible Pittsburgh adds talent to the backfield this summer.
Steelers RB Anthony McFarland missed the team's preseason finale with an unspecified injury. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports that whatever the issue is, "it could land him on IR" this week. That would knock McFarland out for at least 3 games. We'll keep an eye on this situation. Benny Snell and Kalen Ballage also remain on the depth chart behind Najee Harris.
Update: McFarland has been placed on IR with his undisclosed injury, so he'll miss at least the first 3 games of the season.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic writes that RB Anthony McFarland has “shown the most promise” among Pittsburgh backups. Kaboly notes McFarland’s scheme fit while calling his rushing ability “notably better than a year ago.” While the 2020 4th-round pick goes just 5’8, he's well built at 208 pounds. Kaboly also called Kalen Ballage a “pleasant surprise” but noted his similarities — at least stylistically — to Najee Harris. A Harris injury would almost certainly lead to a timeshare.
The Steelers selected Maryland RB Anthony McFarland in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Watch McFarland’s 298-yard, 2-TD dismantling of Ohio State back in 2018 and you’d think he’s 1 of the top backs in this class. That was part of an impressive redshirt freshman season that saw him tally 1,034 yards on 7.9 yards per carry. 39 of his 131 carries went for 10+ yards that year. McFarland took a colossal step back this past season, though, battling through a high-ankle sprain and totaling just 614 yards on 114 carries (5.4 YPC). He’s also fairly inexperienced in the passing game, with only 24 catches across the past 2 years. But McFarland’s flashes are exciting. And the 5’8, 208-pounder confirmed his big-play ability with a 4.44-second 40 time at the Combine. He’s an intriguing addition to Pittsburgh’s backfield alongside James Conner, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels.
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