Steelers RB Anthony McFarland returns to practice, remains on IR
Running back Anthony McFarland returned to Pittsburgh Steelers practice Wednesday, signaling an activation to the active roster and season debut could be coming by the end of the month.
McFarland remains on the injured reserve list. His presence at practice opens up a 21-day window within which the Steelers must add him to the 53-man roster or he will be lost for the season.
The nature of McFarland’s injury has not been disclosed. A fourth-round pick last year, McFarland was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the regular season. Those on IR must spend at least three weeks on the list before they begin to practice; McFarland lasted four weeks.
A speedster out of Maryland, McFarland saw increased use as a subpackage back as his rookie season progressed, ending with 113 rushing yards on 33 carries and six catches on nine targets for 54 yards.
The Steelers ranked last in the NFL in rushing last season and are at the bottom of the league again in 2021 despite the addition of first-round pick Najee Harris. Veterans Benny Snell Jr. and Kalen Ballage are also on the roster at tailback but have combined for 1 yard on three carries (all by Snell) this season.
Harris has appeared in 93% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps.
Of note with the announcement about McFarland, starting defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt remains on injured reserve. Last week, starting right tackle Zach Banner returned to practice.
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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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