With Jaylen Warren dealing with an injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers backup running back spot is currently in question. Behind Warren and Najee Harris, the team doesn’t have a ton of proven depth. However, kick-return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson could see more time at running back with Warren out. Mike Tomlin seems confident in Patterson’s abilities.
Per the team’s transcripts, Tomlin was asked after practice on Wednesday about the possibility of Patterson getting a heavier workload on offense.
“I would imagine [Patterson] is not resistant to any work,” Tomlin said. “He is a competitor.”
While Patterson was initially signed by the Steelers simply to be a valuable weapon on special teams with the new kickoff rules in place, he has been effective as a running back in the past, especially with Arthur Smith calling plays.