Roethlisberger questions Steelers’ running back depth
The former Pittsburgh quarterback says injuries to Rico Dowdle or Jaylen Warren could place a heavy burden on rookie Eli Heidenreich and a practice squad player.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has questioned the team’s running back depth after it retained four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster.
The quarterbacks are Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar. Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren are described as Pittsburgh’s primary running backs, with rookie hybrid option Eli Heidenreich also available.
Speaking on his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger”, Roethlisberger said the rotation could become thin if Dowdle or Warren were injured. He questioned whether Heidenreich, as a rookie, could step into a larger role alongside the remaining primary back.
Roethlisberger also raised concerns about the demands of weekly practices. He said the absence of relief could leave Heidenreich and an unidentified practice squad player handling substantial practice and game workloads.
Yahoo Sports reported the comments as part of coverage of the Steelers’ roster composition. The source does not identify the practice squad player or establish that retaining four quarterbacks caused the shortage in the running back room.
