Steelers roster: 3 positions Pittsburgh should cut back on in 2022

Steelers should cut back on running backs

In today’s ever-changing league that involves the passing game more than ever, some teams — like the Dallas Cowboys — have decided to keep just two running backs on their roster. This is a bold move, but one that could really make sense in the right situation.

Teams that use running backs by committee (like the New England Patriots) wouldn’t even consider this. However, the Steelers certainly are not that team. They have a running back who will consume touches at one of the highest rates in the NFL again this year in Najee Harris.

Because of this — and the fact that the backups have been so underwhelming — the Steelers could elect to keep just two running backs on the active roster (not counting the full-back). The third running back could either be a healthy scratch or demoted to the practice squad altogether.

If Najee goes down, the Steelers are probably going to need to make a move for a running back anyway. In the meantime, however, any other back will hardly see any touches. Pittsburgh could use this extra spot to activate an additional receiver, cornerback, linebacker, or defensive lineman.

The Steelers don’t have particularly great depth at these three positions, and I think it could be beneficial to use an added roster spot for positions with much stronger depth. It will be interesting to see if they break some historic trends with Omar Khan now calling the shots in the front office.