The Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping for a big bounce-back win over the Baltimore Ravens to secure the AFC North on Saturday. Instead, they suffered a 34-17 loss as the game slipped away following Russell Wilson's costly pick-six. What stood out was the usage of the running backs, with Najee Harris playing just 17 snaps while Jaylen Warren saw significantly more action with 40 snaps. With Harris' future in Pittsburgh uncertain and his season falling short of expectations, many analysts speculated that this snap disparity was an indictment of Harris and a sign that his time with the Steelers could be nearing its end after the 2024 season.
However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation directly when speaking to the media. Tomlin clarified that Warren’s increased workload wasn’t a reflection of dissatisfaction with Harris but rather a strategic decision based on the flow of the game. He emphasized that Warren's skill set, particularly in passing situations and blitz pickups, was better suited to the game plan against Baltimore’s aggressive defense.
While Tomlin's explanation provides some clarity, questions about Harris' role moving forward remain. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t consistently delivered the game-changing performances the Steelers hoped for. With Warren continuing to earn more opportunities and outperform expectations, the dynamic in Pittsburgh’s backfield will be an ongoing storyline as the season progresses.
"It probably was just the flow of the game," Tomlin explained. "We had every intention of being inclusive and utilizing all our backs. Not only yesterday, but because we are on a short turnaround and we got another game coming and so, we wanted to use all three guys. And really, Jaylen got a heck of a lot more than the others just based on kind of some game circumstances when he was in, in the general flow of the game."
Harris hasn’t been bad for the Steelers by any means. He’s consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards each season and has never missed a game. With a career average of 3.9 yards per carry, he’s been a reliable force in the backfield. While that’s not an elite number, it’s far from disappointing. Harris runs with power, consistently churning through defenders, but has struggled to break free to the outside. At times, it almost feels like he’s running through quicksand, unable to get to the edge with the burst many fans expect.
Despite some of the criticism, Harris deserves more credit than he often receives. He’s been a steady presence in Pittsburgh’s offense, even if he hasn’t always lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him. That said, it’s only fair to acknowledge that some areas of his game, especially his ability to get outside and make explosive plays, have been underwhelming.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Outshines Najee Harris In Loss To The Ravens
In the loss to the Ravens, Harris had nine carries for 42 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Warren carried the ball 12 times for 48 yards, averaging 4 yards per carry. Warren also contributed in the passing game, catching five passes for 44 yards. While Harris remains a key part of the Steelers’ offense, Warren’s versatility and playmaking ability continue to push for more opportunities.
Tomlin’s explanation makes some sense. With the Steelers facing three games in just 10 days, it’s likely they didn’t want to overwork Harris, as they have in the past.
However, it could also be another example of Tomlin playing his cards close to his chest when speaking to the media. He’s admitted in the past that he doesn't always tell the full truth to the press, and for good reason. It will be interesting to see how the snap counts play out on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Steelers hope to upset the Chiefs, Harris will need to have a big game.
