Cordarrelle Patterson Expected To Get Looks At Running Back For Steelers

After some mystery in the offseason, the usage of Cordarrelle Patterson is starting to become clearer.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Patterson to a two-year, $6 million contract, there was some surprise as to what role he’d be playing with the amount of money featured in the deal.

Patterson is one of the best kick returners in NFL history. That’s not up for debate. But with the new kickoff rules, it remains to be seen how his skills can be utilized, in that regard. And it’s worth noting that over his three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, he was utilized as a running back under Arthur Smith, who is now the new Steelers offensive coordinator.

It adds an interesting curveball to the backfield of Pittsburgh, who solely relied on Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren last year. Out of the 404 rushing attempts taken by Steelers running backs in 2023, it was only Harris and Warren utilized. Would this offense really want to change up the best part of their offense last season? It sounds like there’s a possibility.

Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner said as much to The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, saying they’ll “dabble” with Patterson in that way.

“We can use him in a lot of different ways, and I am sure we will dabble in that when we get going,” Faulkner said, as transcribed by Kaboly. “He sits in my room, and the running back position encompasses all things, both in the backfield and out of the backfield, so it is probably the best room to be in right now.”

Patterson should also get looks at wide receiver, a position that the Steelers will need help in. It remains to be seen if head coach Mike Tomlin will give the 33-year-old the “joker” title again that was used last year. Whatever his role is called, Patterson seems locked in to be a key offensive contributor — no matter the position.

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