PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – How do the returning injured players work back into the Steelers offense? Can they make an impact this week?
Zach Banner listed on the first depth chart as the starting right tackle and Anthony McFarland appeared to have worked his way into a role after a solid training camp.
McFarland Case
“His injury came at an inopportune time for him and us,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. “Reps are hard, plays are hard, margin of error is really small in this league.”
“I think he was doing some really good stuff before he got hurt,” said Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “Excited to see what he can bring to us. We’ve seen a guy that has a little burst. A guy that maybe can add a little something extra to this offense.”
The 5’9” McFarland played in 11 games as a rookie last year, rushing 33 times for 113 yards and caught six passes for 54 yards. Roethlisberger said you can tell McFarland spent a lot of time getting his body and mind ready in the off-season. He adds he’s also not making the same rookie mistakes he made last year.
“Ant is a little bit different than our other backs, that doesn’t mean he’s better or worse,” Canada said. “Chances are what are hard. We have a lot of skilled players and everybody wants the ball more.”
“We are excited he’s back. We will see where it goes.”
Banner Case
It’s a role where he made his name with Steelers fans. Coming is as a tackle eligible, Banner worked his way into the starting role at right tackle to begin the 2020 season. Now back for a second straight game, Banner could work his way back into the lineup as an extra blocker, at least to start.
“Hopefully we are continuing to get him back to full strength,” Canada said. “Full strength clearance from the medical people isn’t the same as full strength, 100% I feel great doing everything I do and have confidence. He’s coming off of a major surgery. He’s practicing more and more and we are excited he’s back.”
Players wanting more
Tight end Eric Ebron said he’s frustrated about the lack of catches, Canada acknowledge he’s not the only one on offense.
“I want more too,” Canada said. “Trying not to be a moving target, our plan has always been to put our players in a position to make plays and to take advantage of what a defense gives you at the time. That doesn’t always happen. I don’t always call the right plays.”
“I appreciate it. It’s not something new in the NFL or football. Everybody wants more. All that matters is we win. Over the course of the season hopefully there is a pretty good balance and everyone gets their share. You can’t just mandate it because people do different things.”
Harris Health
Najee Harris played in 100% of the snaps his first NFL game. Two other times he’s played 95% of the snaps. Regardless of playing at Alabama, he’s never played a schedule like this. Are the Steelers going to limit him going forward.
“I think Faulk (Eddie Faulkner) doing a great job managing it, watching it in a game. Even early in a game he will come out for a few plays. He’s not on any kind of a count, but we are aware of it.”
“We are aware of the long duration of the season. We are also aware of the kind of guy he is and what he’s built to do. We are cognizant of it. I think it’s a valid point. We got to win every game as it comes.”