Tim Benz: Steelers' depth running backs make case to be trusted again

For months, part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive agenda has been to get running back Najee Harris in a rhythm.

Now the agenda is to keep the run game in rhythm overall, regardless of who is carrying the ball.

After back-to-back games with 90-plus yards, Harris appeared to enter Monday’s game with the Indianapolis Colts hoping to build on that momentum. But after 10 carries, 35 yards and a touchdown, Harris’ night was cut short due to an abdominal injury.

Second-string back Jaylen Warren didn’t even dress because of a hamstring injury.

That didn’t stop the Steelers from attempting to keep the ground game in gear. Fourth-year back Benny Snell — who has largely been relegated to special teams duty — gobbled up 62 yards on 12 carries. One of which went for a touchdown.

Anthony McFarland, who had been mothballed all year until Warren’s injury, was given six carries and churned for 30 yards. In all, the Steelers rush attack totaled 172 yards en route to a 24-17 victory, the second-best output on the ground all season.

Even though the featured back couldn’t finish half the game.

“For weeks on the practice squad, you’re working, sharpening iron and waiting for your opportunity,” McFarland said after the win. “It can be difficult at times, but this is a professional business, a man’s business. You have to know how to overcome it.”

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Head coach Mike Tomlin was particularly happy that the backup running backs didn’t try to do too much.

“I thought they stayed within their skill set. Benny is a deliberate one-cut downhill runner, AntMac is bursty and explosive and good in space. I just thought they leaned on their strengths,” Tomlin said.

After Monday’s result, the Colts rush defense is 17th in football, yielding 118.3 yards per game. The Falcons are 21st at 127.5. So there’s no reason to believe that the Steelers will be unable to replicate last week’s success in Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday, even if Harris and Warren are sidelined.

“We always acknowledge that roles never stay the same; they’re ever changing. … This is football at its highest level. I think all guys know and understand that, and that’s why they walk in the building with the spirit that they do every day,” Tomlin said. “Those guys continue to walk in with that spirit regardless of what the division of labor might be because they need to be ready for their next opportunity.”

Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett certainly benefited from the support of the run game Monday. The balance provided by the backs and the offensive line blocking aided Pickett in producing a season-high 87.5 passer rating.

“Our backs did a phenomenal job,” Pickett said after the game. “The tight ends in the run game. There is a lot that goes into it, but that group we have up front, man, we’re pretty tight. They’re really tight together. They have great continuity.”

Given the quick turnaround from a Monday night game, Tomlin couldn’t provide any update of significance about Harris’ health Tuesday afternoon. It stands to reason that McFarland and Snell could be called upon again in Atlanta this Sunday if Harris doesn’t have enough time to recover and if Warren isn’t healthy enough to return.

And there’s no reason to presume that their production has to dip.

In Tuesday’s podcast, Tim Benz and Chris Adamski talk about how the Steelers came back to beat the Colts and their chances of finally winning back-to-back games when they visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Listen: Tim Benz and Chris Adamski talk Steelers