With Anthony McFarland, Zach Banner off IR, Steelers’ Matt Canada weighs their usage

Zach Banner and Anthony McFarland each figure to be part of the gameday roster this week for the first time this season. But what will their roles be within the Pittsburgh Steelers offense during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns?

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada shed little light on the coaching staff’s plans for reintroducing former starting right tackle Banner and change-of-pace running back McFarland into the gameplan.

Banner is finally nearing the finish line in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during last year’s opener, and McFarland has worked his way back from a torn MCL suffered during training camp.

“Ant’s injury came at an inopportune time for him and us,” Canada said before Thursday’s practice.

McFarland had the look of a speedy complement to rookie workhorse Najee Harris. With 4.4 speed and a track record of big plays in college, McFarland is an intriguing piece for what has been a middling offense — if the Steelers can find the best way to deploy him.

“I do think Ant is a little bit different than our other backs,” Canada said, “so as he continues to come on and when and if we can get him involved, I think there is a difference in what he can do. As far as his impact, it’s just dependent on if we call the right play at the right time.”

Last season, just two of McFarland’s 39 touches (33 rushes, six receptions) gained more than 9 yards. He had a 20-yard catch during his NFL debut Sept. 27, 2020, against the Houston Texans. But that would be his biggest play all season. Also, the seven touches he had in that game remain his career-most.

“We’re excited he’s back,” Canada said. “We’ll see where it goes.”

With the position Banner plays, his role seemingly would be all-or-nothing during games. Either he starts or he doesn’t play and perhaps is not even in uniform. The lone caveat to that is if the Steelers use Banner in the role he played in 2019 when he was a tackle-eligible brought in for jumbo packages.

“That’s certainly on the table as we continue to move forward,” Canada said. “We’re hopefully continuing to get him back to full strength. Full strength clearance from the medical people isn’t the same as ‘full strength, 100%, I feel great doing everything I do, and I have confidence.’ He’s coming off a major surgery. … He’s practicing more and more, and we’re excited he’s back.”

In Banner’s stead so far this season, the Steelers moved Chuks Okorafor back to right tackle and have been starting rookie Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.