The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL got an update from the league on Wednesday morning. The NFL announced that it will not be banning the controversial "tush push" play, which the Philadelphia Eagles have used with great success. The Steelers, on the other hand, have never really embraced the play and have struggled in the few moments they’ve tried to replicate it with a quarterback sneak.
Fox Sports
Chiefs' Chris Jones (95) tried lining up sideways to stop the tush push.
Still, with the play remaining legal, there’s reason to believe Pittsburgh should take another look. The team is expected to emphasize a physical, run-heavy offense again under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, and the tush push could be an asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations. While it hasn’t been part of the Steelers’ identity, it might be time to change that.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo offered some serious advice after the league’s announcement. He said Smith and Mike Tomlin need to get creative and find a way to make the play work in their favor. Given the offense’s inconsistency in moving the chains last season, especially in third-and-short, Fittipaldo believes the Steelers have nothing to lose by adding the tush push to their arsenal.
"If the Steelers don't work on the tush push this summer in training camp, it's a lost opportunity for easy yards," Fittipaldo said. "If Aaron Rodgers is the QB he doesn't have to run the play. It can be a TE, WR or RB who can take a snap from center. Or Will Howard."
It’s clear that asking a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers to line up for a tush push wouldn’t be the wisest move. At this point, no one truly knows whether Rodgers will be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2025. He’s taken his time making a decision, but all signs still point to him eventually joining Pittsburgh. For now, though, the Steelers remain stuck in a holding pattern as they await clarity.
Al Goldis / Associated Press
Steelers' Will Howard runs in a score during a college game.
If Rodgers decides not to come, the Steelers appear prepared to move forward with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard. Even if Rodgers does suit up in black and gold, Fittipaldo has advised the team to find a way to use a tight end, running back, or even Howard in the tush push role. It’s a logical suggestion, especially considering Howard’s tough, physical playing style and his proven ability to push piles during his college career.
What’s uncertain is whether Pittsburgh will actually consider such a move. The Steelers had Justin Fields as their backup for most of the 2024 season and barely used him in any creative capacity. That lack of innovation raises questions about how committed the team truly is to finding new ways to gain an edge on short-yardage plays, even with versatile options at their disposal.
Still, it’s an intriguing idea and one the Steelers should seriously consider. Short-yardage situations were a glaring weakness for Pittsburgh throughout the 2024 season, and finding a consistent solution could make a big difference. Incorporating a version of the tush push with Howard or even someone like tight end Darnell Washington—who is officially listed at 6'7", 274 pounds but widely believed to be even bigger—could give the offense a major boost.
Steelers Should Take Advantage Of Darnell Washington's Size
The visual of Washington taking a direct snap and driving forward for a first down or touchdown is hard to ignore. If executed and coached properly, it could become a powerful and reliable tool in Pittsburgh’s offensive arsenal. For a team that struggled to keep drives alive in critical moments, this kind of creativity might be exactly what’s needed to shift momentum and spark consistency.
Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images
Steelers TE Darnell Washington runs with the football.
That said, there’s been little evidence so far that the Steelers are willing to embrace the tush push, despite its continued legality. They’ve passed on similar opportunities in the past, even with mobile options like Fields on the roster. Whether or not that changes remains to be seen, but Steeler Nation will be watching closely to see if the team finally gets creative following the NFL’s decision to keep the play in the rulebook.
#SteelerNation
