While primary roster attention often centers on starting lineups, building a complete 53-man roster requires dependable depth. In the Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason finale, running backs Lew Nichols III and Eli Heidenreich delivered standout performances, demonstrating the complementary skill sets necessary to fortify the team's backfield depth.
With protection issues surfacing across the offensive line, running back pass protection has taken on heightened significance in Pittsburgh. Nichols distinguished himself not only by leading the ground attack with seven carries for 40 yards (5.7 yards per carry), but also by executing textbook blitz pickups in pass protection.
"Lew Nichols, seven carries, 40 yards, continues to run hard," noted host Christopher
Carter on his “Locked On Steelers” podcast. "He's not just a runner. He's really good in pass protection. I've seen him put defenders down in the dirt and let them know. And that's a big thing that you need, especially what we just got done talking about with the offensive line."
Meanwhile, Heidenreich provided efficient groundwork and finished off a key drive with a touchdown run, carrying the ball nine times for 35 yards. He showed decisive vision when given operational space, adding a scoring threat to the rotated backfield reps.
"Also, shout out Eli Heidenreich," Carter said. "Nine carries, 35 yards, and a tuddy. I thought that he did a pretty solid job when he got the ball in his hands and he had some space to run."
By pairing physical pass protection with reliable rushing efficiency, Nichols and Heidenreich separated themselves in the backfield competition. Their contributions in the exhibition conclusion offer Pittsburgh valuable, hard-nosed depth capable of supporting the offense through early-season line adjustments.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: How Lew Nichols III and Eli Heidenreich stepped up in Steelers finale
