Anthony McFarland using increased camp reps to push for No. 2 RB job with Steelers

The quest to find a dependable No. 2 running back behind Najee Harris begins Saturday night for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they begin preseason play.

An unlikely candidate — based on his lack of participation and availability last season — has emerged through two weeks of training camp.

Anthony McFarland, the little-used, former fourth-round pick from Maryland, has been a steady presence in the running and passing game during team periods.

He has been used in two running back formations, caught passes while lining up in the slot and gotten carries as the lone running back, with much of his work coming while Harris has recovered from a foot injury that he sustained Aug. 1.

“It’s definitely motivation for anybody in the running back room to step up,” McFarland said of Harris’ injury. “It makes you want to compete more, put your head down and work toward that.”

McFarland is one of the few running backs on the roster who has remained healthy throughout camp. In addition to Harris, non-roster runner Mataeo Durant has missed the past two days, and last year’s backup, Benny Snell, left practice early Wednesday with an injury.

That leaves McFarland, Jaylen Warren — an early camp darling — and Master Teague III as the healthy options as the Steelers prepare to face Seattle on Saturday in the preseason opener.

“Coach always says when someone is down it’s an opportunity for the next man to step up,” McFarland said. “I feel like we all have that mentality. It’s more reps for us, more of an opportunity to showcase what we can do.”

For a variety of reasons, McFarland didn’t get many chances to showcase his 4.34 speed last year. He missed the first six games because he was on injured reserve, he missed two more because of a stint on the reserve/covid list and he was inactive on seven other occasions.

When he was healthy, McFarland found himself below Kalen Ballage on the depth chart. He appeared in just two games, totaling three carries for 3 yards and one catch for 11 yards while playing all of 19 snaps.

“Anthony, I think he’s taken a big step,” Harris said. “In ways, he’s really controlling what role he has. He’s really being explosive and making some explosive runs.”

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has featured McFarland in the passing game while also trying to use him in space to take advantage of the third-year running back’s speed. That includes McFarland getting a chance to work out of the slot.

“I feel like I can line up anywhere and show my versatility,” McFarland said. “Wherever they ask me to line up, I’ll put my head down and work.”

McFarland isn’t shying away from any responsibilities this summer.

“I’ll throw my nose in there in pass pro,” he said. “I’m trying to show I can be an all-purpose back.”

The shortest and lightest running back on the roster at 5-foot-8, 193 pounds, McFarland doesn’t have the physicality of Harris, Snell or Warren, but he believes his speed can make him an asset among the running back group.

“I feel like we’ve got a good room,” he said. “I love the room from top to bottom. Everybody is great. It keeps you on your toes when everybody has their skill sets and just works. … The thing I like about it the most is nobody is selfish. Everybody wants to help each other. It’s hard to find a room like that.”