Cordarrelle

Patterson

Patterson himself took to social media on Monday, saying, “Breaking news! Pittsburgh Steelers release old washed up Cordarrelle Patterson on his day off!!!” The veteran running back, who is entering his age-34 season, was thought to be on the outside looking in to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster, and saw minimal work on offense last season. Patterson’s calling card has long been in the return game, but he’s returned only 27 kicks since 2022. It’s possible he catches on with another team this offseason, but Patterson’s best days are well behind him at this stage of his career.

“The Steelers’ backfield is full with rookie Kaleb Johnson and offseason signing Kenneth Gainwell joining Jaylen Warren. It remains to be seen if OC Arthur Smith will lobby for the hybrid RB/WR to remain on the roster as a Swiss Army knife,” DeFabo continues. Patterson only had 32 carries for 135 yards last year, but it would be a little surprising for the Steelers to cut bait with one of the greatest kickoff returners in NFL history. Entering his age-34 season, Patterson will need to keep impressing in camp to retain his spot on the roster.

Patterson was used sparingly in a negative game environment, scoring from 12 yards out on a fade in the third quarter. Jaylen Warren saw the highest snap rate and opportunity share for the Steelers, which makes sense considering the flow of the game. Patterson remains unlikely to return usable fantasy scores at this stage of his career.

Najee Harris missed a drive and a half while getting oxygen on the bench, and it was Patterson who received the majority of snaps in his place, not Jaylen Warren. With slot receiver Calvin Austin also leaving the game with an injury, Patterson saw a few more reps as a receiver, so there are a few avenues where he could potentially see an uptick in work if the Steelers suffer injuries. He doesn’t need to be added in most fantasy leagues, but it’s noteworthy to see what situations would lead to a clear boost in value.

Not great, folks. It’s bad enough to be added to the injury report on a Thursday, but it’s even worse to be listed as a DNP. Warren can put some concerns to rest regarding his Week 11 availability if he’s able to practice in some capacity on Friday, but this is something worth monitoring over the next 24 hours as we prepare to head into the weekend. If Warren can’t go, Cordarrelle Patterson would see an uptick in touches while Najee Harris remains cemented in his high-volume role against the Ravens.

The Steelers’ running back and kick returner returns in time to contribute to a hopeful Pittsburgh win over the exciting Commanders squad. Patterson is not flex-viable in his No. 3 role, unfortunately.

Patterson is a distant backup to Najee Harris, though he could nip away at Jaylen Warren’s already small workload. Warren is a shaky bench stash so fantasy managers can expect even less from Patterson. He does not need to be rostered in re-draft at this time.

Patterson has been sidelined for a few weeks because of the ankle issue but appears to be good to go following Pittsburgh’s bye week. The veteran running back and kick returner didn’t have standalone fantasy value before the injury but is a threat to take a few touches off Jaylen Warren’s plate. Warren will sit on the RB3/4 border for Week 10.

Patterson returned to practice this week after an extended absence because of his ankle injury but is still at least another week away from returning. Jaylen Warren will be the only backup of note for the Steelers versus New York. Warren totaled a season-high 14 touches last week, giving him some RB3 juice for Week 8.

Patterson returned to practice this week after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury but never managed more than a limited showing, resulting in the veteran running back and kick returner drawing the doubtful tag. The return of Jaylen Warren from his own injury two weeks ago has forced a near-even timeshare in the Pittsburgh backfield, sapping a solid portion of the fantasy value held by Najee Harris in Patterson and Warren’s combined absences.