4 Steelers players who will be facing too much pressure in 2022

Steelers RB Najee Harris

Najee Harris is more than capable of carrying the load in the backfield for the Steelers, but it’s not him that I’m worried about. As is the case for all running backs, they are mostly a product of what’s in front of them, and Pittsburgh’s offensive line just wasn’t very good last season.

While there is reason to believe they will be better in 2021 with the additions of James Daniels and Mason Cole, this isn’t guaranteed. Even if the OL is improved and Harris is able to find a bit more success on the ground, the Steelers have yet to find a capable complementary back who can help ease his workload.

At the rate he’s been going and with how hard he runs each and every play, Harris’ body could start to wear down remarkably fast, and this workload fatigue might even be noticeable by late in the season.

As a former first-round pick that was met with some controversy because of the diminishing value of the running back position in today’s NFL, Harris needs to be more efficient. The Steelers also need to find a way to preserve him as much as possible.

There are plenty of other young players who will have to step into imporatnt roles for the Steelers this year, but there’s a lot riding on the performances of these four players in particular. Let’s hope they are up to the task.