Steelers' Greatest Disappointment Of Training Camp Finally Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of interesting headlines to follow during the 2025 NFL season. As training camp has been hitting the deep depths of the offseason, the Steelers' fan base is starting to get a clearer picture of how the 2025 season will shape up. Obviously, the running game is going to be a big storyline to watch. 

The Steelers let running back Najee Harris walk in free agency after four straight seasons, leaving a significant void in the backfield. Now, the team will rely on a trio of runners, rookie Kaleb Johnson, veteran Jaylen Warren, and newcomer Kenneth Gainwell, to lead the way for Arthur Smith’s running back attack.

The excitement around the new backfield has been tempered by some early concerns. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac revealed that his greatest disappointment of training camp so far has been the running game in his Steelers chat via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Despite the talent and potential in the backfield, the unit has reportedly struggled to find rhythm in practices, and the offensive line has yet to fully gel under Smith’s schemes according to Dulac.

"None whatsoever," Dulac told fans when asked if the running game has made any improvements. "Maybe the most disappointing part of training camp."

Now it is still early for this group, and there are new faces trying to gel. Johnson is also a rookie, so it could take some time for this running game to truly get going. For now, though, Dulac is starting to sound the alarm. If the Steelers want to end their playoff drought in the 2025 season, they will need this running attack to be highly effective and capable of consistently moving the chains.

Still, there is reason for optimism. Warren brings proven experience and toughness, while Gainwell adds versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Johnson may take some time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL, but he has the athletic tools to make an impact. 

The Steelers’ commitment to a physical, downhill running game under Smith means that even with early struggles, this group has the chance to surprise and become a defining part of the team’s 2025 identity. Patience and cohesion will be key as fans watch the backfield battle unfold over the next few weeks.

Many Steelers fans expect Warren to get a greater opportunity in 2025. This is his first season running the show out of the backfield, but Pittsburgh drafted Johnson in the third round. Many pundits believe Johnson will take over the lead back role, while Warren will be used in specific plays to showcase his burst and explosiveness. That will be a very interesting situation to monitor as the season plays out.

Steelers Still Have Time To Get Running Game Fixed

There are doubts about whether Warren can handle a lead back role, but with Johnson providing support and a veteran in Gainwell coming off a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers are confident in this group. Dulac is not as optimistic so far, but there is still plenty of time to get it right.

The Steelers’ first outing of 2025 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason saw them walk away with a 31-25 win as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. Many fans would like to see the running game show signs of improvement quickly. Johnson carried the ball just eight times for 20 rushing yards in his first preseason game against Jacksonville. He would love to improve on his 2.5 yards per carry average. 

Steelers fans, are you worried in any way, shape or form by the insight about the running game?