Versatile veteran Cordarrelle Patterson entered Week 4 as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ backup running back behind Najee Harris, but an injury put a damper on his day. What happened to Patterson on Sunday?
What Happened to Steelers RB Cordarelle Patterson in Week 4?
Patterson was injured while taking a 2nd-and-1 handoff with 3:40 remaining before halftime of the Steelers’ game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The 33-year-old went to the blue medical tent for evaluation before being carted to Pittsbsurgh’s locker room. His right shoe was off as he left.
The Steelers initially announced that Patterson was questionable to return with an ankle injury. However, Pittsburgh officially ruled him out at the start of the third quarter.
Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson ruled out vs. Colts with ankle injuryhttps://t.co/IjGje1yLHs pic.twitter.com/v8IMiP5AlR
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 29, 2024
Patterson signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Steelers this offseason, following new OC Arthur Smith from Atlanta to Pittsburgh.
Jaylen Warren, the Steelers’ usual RB2, never practiced this week while battling a knee injury. He was ruled out on Friday and could miss more time.
Patterson took six carries for 43 scoreless yards before departing.
Fantasy Implications of Patterson’s Injury
Harris should be expected to handle the lion’s share of Pittsburgh’s backfield touches if Patterson can’t return on Sunday.
The Steelers’ only other healthy running back is undrafted rookie free agent Aaron Shampklin. Pittsburgh elevated him from its practice squad before today’s game. The Harvard product took his first NFL carry just before halftime.
Depending on how long Patterson and Warren will be sidelined, the Steelers might need to add outside running back help.
Justin Fields could also get even more involved as a quarterback rushing threat. His 18 designed rushes were fourth-most among quarterbacks through the first three weeks, trailing only Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels.