Steelers Activate RB Anthony McFarland Jr. from Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated running back Anthony McFarland Jr. from the injured reserve list, the team announced on Wednesday.

The second-year back suffered a torn MCL in the preseason that shut him down in the midst of a strong training camp that had him slotted to be the team’s No. 2 running back

McFarland had been on the injured reserve list since just before the start of the regular season. The Steelers designated him to return on Oct. 6 and Wednesday was the final day he could be activated.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that it’s unclear how much of a role McFarland will be able to assume immediately upon his return.

Mike Tomlin Says Steelers RB Anthony McFarland Jr. to Return from IR, Role TBD

“I think the week’s work will determine if there’s a role and if there is a role, what that is,” Tomlin said.

Kalen Ballage and Benny Snell Jr. have served as Harris’ backups through the first seven weeks of the season. Neither have found much success, with Ballage rushing for 15 yards on six carries and Snell 21 yards on eight carries. Wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool are the team’s second- and third- leading rushers.

The team placed nose tackle Carlos Davis on the injured reserve list to make room for McFarland on the 53-man roster.