Steelers News: The Steelers’ running back room is very crowded

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Unable to attend most player pro days and participating in the NFL’s first virtual draft, the Steelers keep pushing forward toward a return to football activities. Just because the Steelers are unable to hold their typical OTA’s doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at the stable of running backs entering Steelers’ training camp in 2020.

Let’s get to the news:

• With only one football to carry each play, how will the Steelers divide the carries?

How could the running backs’ division of labor play out for Steelers in 2020?

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The literal room — if there ever has been an actual, brick-and-mortar, solitary meeting room devoted to each position at the facility — hasn’t been used in months. But even the Zoom calls might seem a little virtually-crowded for Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner these days.

Counting fullback Derek Watt after his signing in unrestricted free agency, there are eight running backs on the Steelers’ 90-man offseason roster. That raw number isn’t overly unwieldy for organized team activities and training camp.

But perhaps what might be awkward is that just about all eight of them could make a legitimate case to not only make the team but also justifiably stake a claim to a not-insignificant role in the offense:

James Conner has made a Pro Bowl roster (2018 season)

Entering his second NFL season, Benny Snell already has a 100-yards-from-scrimmage game on his résumé

Jaylen Samuels 18 months ago rushed for 142 yards against the soon-to-be Super Bowl champions

Rookie Anthony McFarland is viewed by many as an intriguing sleeper fourth-round pick

Kerrith Whyte had three carries of at least 13 yards among his 25 touches as a rookie late last season

Watt’s niche as a fullback — such as it is at that increasingly-obsolete position — is secure

The Steelers’ other two running backs (Trey Edmunds and Ralph Webb) have the longest odds to make an impact. But neither can be dismissed.

Edmunds has been on the 53-man roster each of the past two seasons because of special-teams prowess. Webb is thought highly enough of that the Steelers keep bringing him back. This is the third different league season the organization has employed Webb, who had 4,178 career rushing yards for an SEC program (Vanderbilt). In other words, he’s more than just the proverbial camp filler.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Previewing the Steelers third game of 2020

Steelers 2020 Breakdown: Week 3, Texans

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

The Steelers remain at Heinz Field for Week 3 as they host the Watt Family Reunion Bowl.

Texans star J.J. Watt will be reunited with brothers, Derek Watt and T.J. Watt, as the Texans play the Steelers in another AFC showdown. To be honest, I am stunned this game isn’t in prime time, but a 1:00 p.m. start brings a star-studded matchup for the early afternoon crowd to enjoy. Before we get into the details, let’s provide a little background on the Texans, who have had one roller-coaster offseason.

MATCHUP

Opponent: Texans
2019 Record: 10-6
Overall History (W/L): 4-2 for Steelers
Last 4 Games: 3-1, for Steelers
Opening Line: Steelers (-5)
Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pittsburgh

OUTGOING PLAYERS/ FREE-AGENT LOSSES

WR DeAndre Hopkins
DT D.J. Reader

RETIREMENTS

N/A

FREE-AGENT ADDITIONS

WR Randall Cobb
S Eric Murray
OT Brent Qvale
S Jaylen Watkins

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Mike Tomlin returned to the Steelers’ team facility as soon as he got the chance

Returning to work

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

NFL coaches were given permission by the league to return to their team facilities on Friday, as long as the respective team falls within local and state health guidelines.

The Steelers are one of the teams who have been given clearance, and Coach Mike Tomlin was among those back to work at a team facility when he reported to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Friday morning.

Allowing coaches back is the next phase of re-opening team facilities, a process that began several weeks ago with limited numbers of staff permitted to return.

Tomlin has taken part in the virtual offseason, from the draft, to zoom team meetings, to rookie orientation meetings.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• BTSC articles you may have missed

In 2020, the Stelers are designed to not play down to a lesser opponent

Resting a quarterback in Week 17 does not lead to postseason success

Antoine Brooks Jr. looks to make a contribution his rookie season

“Conner strong” seems to to an understatement

It’s for the best the Steelers have to stay in Pittsburgh for training camp

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