Steelers Activate 3rd-String RB, Clear No. 1 Kick Returner Anthony McFarland Off IR

Since McFarland went down in Week 1, the Steelers have only featured two running backs: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Now the 2020 fourth-rounder may not see many snaps either, as he saw just five on offense back in Week 1. Still, he provides some experienced depth. That will come in handy if either Harris or Warren were to get hurt down the stretch of the season. Despite some competition from a few undrafted free agents, McFarland was able to win the third-string running back job.

Furthermore, McFarland was the team's primary kick returner to begin the season. He did quite well in that season opener too, as he racked up 91 yards across three kick returns. Since the demise of Gunner Olszewski, running back Godwin Igwebuike has handled the kick return duties as of late. With the Steelers, Igwebuike has four kick returns for a total of 93 yards. 

Will The Steelers Give Return Duties Back To McFarland?

Now, it'll be interesting to see what the team does there, and he may not remain on the 53-man roster for long. Igwebuike hasn't seen any offensive snaps in his three games that he's been on Pittsburgh's active roster. While he remains on the roster, even after the news of McFarland's activation, the team may be making more moves this week. Particularly, the Steelers will likely find a linebacker to replace Holcomb's spot on the roster.

Now, the Steelers could opt to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster, and Igwebuike also gives them insurance in the return game. Still, if/when a linebacker addition is made, there will have to be a corresponding move. Mykal Walker, who sits on the team's practice squad at the moment, remains the most likely option to be elevated. Holcomb saw 447 defensive snaps in 2023, so the coaching staff will have to replace a huge hole in that linebacker room.

Looking ahead to Week 10, the Steelers running game has a favorable matchup against the Green Bay Packers. McFarland may get a few offensive snaps, but it's the perfect opportunity for Harris and Warren to build off their big Week 9 performance. The running game excelled against the Titans, as they racked up 166 yards on 30 carries, led by Warren's 8.0 yards per carry.

What kind of depth does McFarland bring to the running back room? Will the veteran return to his role as the primary kick returner? Should the team sign a linebacker with Holcomb officially out for the season?