Steelers Coach Raves About RB Room’s Versatility
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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 behind a strong performance from their offensive backfield. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers now nursing a broken wrist, Pittsburgh will likely need to rely on its running backs again in a tough matchup at the Chicago Bears.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have done an excellent job sharing the workload this season. The team has relied on both of them in a variety of roles and situations, and one Steelers coach recently raved about that versatility.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith spoke about his two veteran running backs and praised them for excelling in third-down situations.
“Those guys are pretty interchangeable,” Smith said.
Steelers OC Smith on Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and 3rd down usage:
“Those guys are pretty interchangeable.” pic.twitter.com/ISO5gjDQUg
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 20, 2025
Warren has 536 rushing yards and is averaging 4.4 yards per carry in his nine games, while Gainwell is second on the team with 36 receptions. This wasn’t seen as one of the most exciting running back tandems in the league heading into the season, but it has consistently gotten the job done and is a big reason Pittsburgh is in playoff contention.
The Steelers converted seven of their 13 third-down opportunities against the Bengals, as well as their only fourth-down try. Having interchangeable running backs who can do a variety of things opens the door for that kind of efficiency.
Warren and Gainwell have been great, and they have made Steelers fans forget that third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson has barely been in the mix. He will be eventually, but for now, the veterans are performing at a high level.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Encouraging Injury Update On Aaron Rodgers
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