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Pittsburgh Steelers’ 4x All-Pro’s roster spot could be in danger
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- Pittsburgh Steelers’ 4x All-Pro’s roster spot could be in danger
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The arrow is pointed straight up if you're a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2025-26 NFL year after acquiring Aaron Rodgers as the new starting quarterback. While the Steelers have reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, they haven't won a playoff game since 2016.
Yet, with a new season comes renewed optimism for the Steelers, who hope they have the right leader in place to help elevate Arthur Smith's offense. Though, not everyone who's on the Steelers' roster right now will still be there when the season kicks off in Week 1 against the New York Jets .
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Recently, The Athletic's Steelers insider Mike DeFabo sounded the alarm about Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson , who's entering his second season with the team.
While Patterson likely signed with Pittsburgh in part thanks to his connection with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith who he worked with on the Atlanta Falcons , now the four-time All-Pro's opportunity could be drying up. Adding running back/returner Kaleb Johnson in the third round didn't help matters either.
"Cordarrelle Patterson, once one of the NFL's elite return men, could find himself on the outside looking in. The Steelers' backfield is full with rookie Kaleb Johnson and offseason signing Kenneth Gainwell joining Jaylen Warren . It remains to be seen if OC Arthur Smith will lobby for the hybrid RB/WR to remain on the roster as a Swiss Army knife. Other players to watch include DeMarvin Leal , a 2022 third-round pick who never carved out a niche as a tweener on the defense front, and Cole Holcomb , who was once a do-everything, three-down inside linebacker before a gruesome knee injury derailed his career in 2023. I think Holcomb still makes the team, but I'm unsure about the others."
While Patterson has proven to be an elite return specialist, he hasn't gotten many chances to make an impact offensively in recent years. That includes last season, when he received a total of 44 touches, where he averaged 4.9 yards per opportunity.
He did lead the Steelers with 11 kick return attempts, but running back Jaylen Warren had a better return average, at 25.2 YPR compared to Patterson's 21.8. In other words, Patterson's services may no longer be needed, unless an injury occurs.
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