Steelers Sights and Sounds: Anthony McFarland Nears Return

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers hope to get running back Anthony McFarland back, and while he was unable to return against the Rams, it seems he is getting closer to that return once again. McFarland worked with the remaining running backs, including Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

McFarland told Steelers Now two weeks ago that he was ready to return from injured reserve. He was running and running well in Week 1, but if he continued to tear up his knee the way he was, Steelers team doctors feared that he’d need another knee surgery. After seeing first-hand how that can derail a running back’s season earlier in his career, McFarland wanted no part of that.

McFarland averaged 30.4 yards per return in the opener. Since then, Desmond King (22 yards per return) and Gunner Olszewski (12 yards per return) have fallen well short of that mark. They even gave a chance to running back Godwin Igwebuike, who failed to show he could return at the same level that McFarland does. That speed and explosive is something Pittsburgh misses. So, McFarland could undoubtedly be of service to the Steelers. Pittsburgh could use the presence, and they hope that McFarland’s speed can add another gear to the unit.