3 reasons the Steelers need to get Anthony McFarland Jr. more involved

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to play 13 straight games to close out the season. Injuries are going to be a storyline for Pittsburgh throughout the remainder of the year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be happy with the contributions they have been getting from their rookie WR and now their rookie RB. These are two positions that dealt with injuries at the top of the depth chart throughout 2019. Having the extra depth is great but in McFarland Jr’s case, it will help prevent injuries.

James Conner has an extensive injury history. However, he is a machine when he is on the field and is allowed to get in a groove. Realizing and utilizing the talent that McFarland Jr possesses is something Pittsburgh has to do. It will keep James Conner healthier and it will provide a more diverse running attack for defenses to have to plan for.

Everyone knows that the Steelers can pass the ball. They have a hall of fame QB under center with the best group of young talent in the league at WR. But running was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive identity years ago. It keeps the clock moving, the defense fresh, and keeps your QB safe from hits. Ben Roethlisberger isn’t going to take shots after handing the ball off.

Not only does using their second-best talent keep Conner healthy, but it will keep Ben healthy as well. If Conner goes down, he will be missed in the run game. But keeping him healthy as both Conner’s and McFarland Jr’s playing styles compliment each other so well is paramount.