The Pittsburgh Steelers could have extra running back depth again in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers announced Saturday they have elevated veteran running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad for Sunday’s showdown.
It’s the second straight week the Steelers have promoted Sermon. But the team is elevating Sermon this weekend with starting running back Jaylen Warren’s status uncertain.
Warren was limited in practice throughout the week. The Steelers listed him officially as questionable for Week 4.
Along with Warren, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and tight end Jonnu Smith are officially questionable. Both Porter and Smith were also limited in practice throughout the week.
The Steelers have already ruled out edge rusher Alex Highsmith for the matchup. However, safety DeShon Elliott returned to fully practice Friday and doesn’t have an injury designation for the game.
Elliott, in addition to Porter, has missed the past two games since suffering a Week 1 injury.
The fact the Steelers didn’t elevate any defenders or tight ends is a good indication that Porter and Smith will dress Sunday. The team will announce their inactive list for Week 4 at 8 am ET Sunday.
Kickoff between the Steelers and Vikings will occur at 9:30 am ET at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
Steelers Promote RB Trey Sermon With Jaylen Warren Questionable
Sermon receiving the practice squad elevation could be an indication for some that Warren might not play Sunday. At the very least, the extra running back depth would suggest Warren will be limited.
However, the Steelers also elevated Sermon last week with Warren healthy. So, it’s possible Sermon’s promotion is not related to Warren’s injury.
Sermon didn’t play on offense in his Steelers debut versus the New England Patriots during Week 3. He lined up for three special teams snaps as a kickoff returner.
Sermon didn’t receive an opportunity to return a kick.
In 43 NFL games during his career, Sermon has rushed for 505 yards while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. He’s averaged 3.8 yards per carry and caught 22 passes for 138 yards.
If Warren can’t play or is limited, the Steelers are likely to count on more offensive snaps from Sermon and Kenneth Gainwell.
The Steelers really tried to establish Warren and their ground attack during Week 3. The emphasis led to mixed results. Warren and the offense had a strong first quarter but didn’t do much after that.
Pittsburgh’s starting running back finished with 47 yards on 18 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per rush, during Week 3.
Will Rookie RB Kaleb Johnson Get Any Snaps?
If not for Warren’s injury, the bigger storyline around Sermon’s elevation would involve rookie running back Kaleb Johnson.
Johnson has struggled this season. He’s posted minus-1 yard on two carries while playing just four offensive snaps. On special teams, he muffed a kickoff that the Seattle Seahawks recovered for a touchdown in Week 2.
Sermon replaced Johnson on the kickoff return team last Sunday.
That’s likely to be the case again in Week 4. Johnson dressed versus the Patriots, but he didn’t play at all.
Since they did it last week, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers had four running backs active versus the Vikings. But in Week 3, Porter and Elliott were inactive because of injuries.
The Steelers might not have the roster space to have four running backs active again. If they don’t, Johnson will be the odd-man out. Unless, of course, Warren doesn’t dress because of his injury.
Again, if the Steelers do dress all four running backs, that could be an indication Warren will be somewhat limited in the Ireland matchup.
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