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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers backup running backs stand out vs Texans

There wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about on Friday night about the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. With third-string quarterback Kyle Allen playing the bulk of the snaps, the passing offense didn’t do much against the Houston Texans defense.

But if there was an aspect of the offense that we did like on Friday night it was the play of the backup running backs. Starter Najee Harris only had three carries for nine yards and main backup Jaylen Warren had three carries for 11 yards.

Meanwhile, reserves Jonathan Ward and Daijun Edwards were great in limited action. Ward had 26 yards on just 2 carries, getting 20 on one touch. Diajun Edwards was even better with 28 yards on only three carries and a touchdown.

The Steelers will need to decide when it is time to trim down to the final 53-man roster if that wildcard spot on offense will go to an extra running back, a true fullback or an extra tight end. After one game, we want to see Edwards get that spot and be the team’s No. 3 back with Cordarrelle Patterson as more of a return specialist.

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