Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a type when it comes to the backfield: physical, downhill runners who can wear down a defense in the crisp autumn air. While Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle command the headlines, a former college rushing champion is quietly waiting in the wings, hoping to become the offense’s ultimate chess piece.
Lew Nichols III is no stranger to heavy workloads. During a breakout 2021 campaign at Central Michigan, Nichols led the entire NCAA FBS with 1,848 rushing yards and racked up a grueling 341 carries. At 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, he possesses the prototypical frame that the Steelers front office has historically coveted.
Yet, the jump from Mid-American Conference stardom to the NFL gridiron rarely follows a linear path. After being selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Green Bay and later spending time on Philadelphia’s practice squad, Nichols found a home in Pittsburgh. He spent last season grinding on the practice squad, earning a brief active roster elevation to showcase his utility on special teams.
Now competing for a spot in a crowded backfield, Nichols is adapting to a new system. When asked recently about transitioning to Mike McCarthy’s offense after working under former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith last year, Nichols noted the tactical carries over.
“Definitely some similarities, the run game, the pass game,” Nichols said. “Coach McCarthy is great, Coach Arthur is great. I mean, so I’m just looking forward to it.”
If Nichols can translate his collegiate vision and goal-line efficiency into the preseason, he could offer the Steelers a versatile, low-cost depth option. He may not start the year on fantasy football radars, but Nichols has the exact blueprint required to become Pittsburgh’s next reliable grinding back when the weather turns cold.
Acquired: The Steelers initially acquired Lew Nichols III in late July of last summer, plucking the former NCAA rushing champion off the open market just a week after he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles. Needing backfield reinforcements during training camp, Pittsburgh signed the 220-pound power back to a one-year deal, ultimately keeping him in the building on the practice squad for the duration of the season. After earning his first career regular-season NFL elevation in November, Nichols impressed the coaching staff enough to secure a future asset stake, signing a reserve/future contract this past January to solidify his spot on the offseason roster.
Last Year: Nichols spent the bulk of last season quietly sharpening his skills on the Steelers’ practice squad, flying well under the radar while adjusting to the physical demands of the professional game. His year-long grind behind the scenes ultimately culminated in a milestone moment in November, when the coaching staff rewarded his consistency with a regular-season roster elevation against the Indianapolis Colts. Marking his official NFL regular-season debut, the 220-pound back made his presence felt on special teams,...
