Steelers officially add running back Cordarrelle Patterson to roster from Active/NFI list

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially added running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson to their active roster from the Active/NFI list, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The franchise made the move on Friday evening, just minutes before their 7:00 PM EST matchup with the Houston Texans in the preseason.

Patterson did not have the best numbers last season in Atlanta, rushing for 181 yards on 50 yards. Through the air, he caught nine passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons had just drafted Bijan Robinson in the first round and utilized Tyler Allgeier as well.

A similar situation is present in Pittsburgh, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren occupying the backfield as a nice one-two punch. This could be Harris’ final season with the Steelers though, with a decision upcoming on his fifth-year option.

However, Patterson could bring value to the return game due to the new NFL rules. Kick returns are now coming back after a few years of consistent touchbacks. Patterson was one of the league’s best in the return game before rule changes phased that part of the game out.

Patterson led the NFL in kick return yards in 2019 and 2020, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in the latter season. In his 11-year career, Patterson has at least one kickoff return touchdown in seven. The 2013 and 2015 seasons resulted in two scores.

Even before the rule change to basically eliminate kick returns last offseason, Patterson was not afraid to bring the ball out.

“Honestly, we had this talk as a team, really, and they know I’m going to bring it out,” Patterson said in Aug. 2023. “No matter where the ball is kicked at, coach is giving me the green light, no ifs, ands, or buts. That’s what I bring back there. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help my team gain that momentum on offense.”

The Steelers finished with 565 return yards last season on 24 attempts, good enough for seventh in the NFL. For reference, Green Bay led the way with 783 yards on 31 attempts.

Patterson being on the roster and recent rule changes means the Steelers could finish higher than No. 7 in the 2024 season.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.