We are four games into the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 regular season, and to say the team's offense has been a mixed bag would be an understatement. While there have been plenty of bright spots, inconsistency surrounding a few key positions has prevented the Steelers from reaching their full potential early this season.
With the Steelers nearing the quarter mark of their 2026 season, it's time to hand out grades for every offensive position group.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, who's completed just 57.5 percent of his passes for 999 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions, hasn't looked great through four games this season. It hasn't all been the veteran quarterback's fault, as the Steelers receiving corps and offensive line have been disappointing. But
Rodgers' 81.6 passer rating highlights his major regression in 2026. Grade: C
Running back
Averaging 113 yards from scrimmage per game, Jaylen Warren has been a man possessed to start the season. The Steelers haven't had a running back eclipse the 1,900-yard feat since Le'Veon Bell's incredible All-Pro season in 2017, but Warren is on pace to finally surpass the mark with 1,921 yards from scrimmage. The only thing preventing this positional group from hitting an A+ is Rico Dowdle's slow start to the season, characterized by a lack of explosive plays and injury. Grade: A
Wide receiver
Yikes. DK Metcalf couldn't catch through the first two games of the season. Michael Pittman Jr. hasn't looked the same since returning from injury. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard, although still unproven, have looked solid. Still, the Steelers wide receivers are struggling to find separation through four games. Here's to hoping the team's top pass catchers can turn things around in a hurry. Grade: C-
Tight end/fullback
Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been electric in Mike McCarthy's offense, arguably the two biggest beneficiaries of the new scheme. Freiermuth has become a steady red zone target for Rodgers, hauling in two touchdowns in four games, while Washington picked up where he left off in 2025 by solidifying his place as one of the most dangerous tight ends in yards after catch scenarios. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that he's built like an offensive tackle, and is one of the best run blockers at his position. Third-string tight end Robert Tonyan hasn't done much in the receiving game, while fullback-tight hybrid Riley Nowakowski has sparingly seen the field. Still, the unit's overall grade is saved by just how spectacular Freiermuth and Washington have been. Grade: B
Offensive line
No doubt the weakest link on Pittsburgh's offense, the O-line has been incredibly inconsistent to start the season. The run blocking has been non-existent at times, while the pass protection has led to Rodgers being the second-most sacked quarterback in the league with 13. The unit has some promising contributors like guard Mason McCormick and center Zach Frazier, but it's been a pretty underwhelming start for Pittsburgh's offensive line. If the O-line as a whole doesn't improve toward the middle of the season, Rodgers may not be able to finish out his retirement tour. Grade: D
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Grading the Steelers' offensive positions through first four games of 2026 season
