Steelers may have just found a solution to big problem that came up during the preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris recently revealed that he suffered a Lisfranc sprain during the early portion of training camp and he's just now getting over the injury. “I’m just now getting over it,” said Harris this week. “It was getting back in my motions. I was rusty today. It wasn’t a good performance […]
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris recently revealed that he suffered a Lisfranc sprain during the early portion of training camp and he's just now getting over the injury.
“I’m just now getting over it,” said Harris this week. “It was getting back in my motions. I was rusty today. It wasn’t a good performance and nothing I should be proud of, either. I need to get better.”
While it's encouraging that Harris is "over" the injury, it could still be a concern moving forward.
The Steelers' depth chart behind Harris could best be described as "unsettled". Adding a veteran running back to the room to provide some insurance against another injury to Harris could be a wise idea by Pittsburgh's front office.
Fortunately for the Steelers, a veteran with plenty of experience became available on Tuesday.
The Buffalo Bills released running back Duke Johnson, a former third-round pick who spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns from 2015 to 2018 (plenty of AFC North experience).
Johnson isn't someone that's going to take a lead role in the running game — if something happens to Harris this season, the Steelers will likely go with a committee approach at the running back position.
But the former Miami Hurricanes standout could still help ease Harris' workload in 2022. Johnson is a great pass catcher out of the backfield — he caught at least 44 passes in each of his first five seasons in the NFL. He could easily slot in as a third-down back for Pittsburgh.
Taking a chance on Johnson seems like a no-brainer. His experience — specifically in the AFC — combined with his skillset makes him a perfect option to serve as a change of pace running back for the Steelers.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
